Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came down heavily on a few parliament members as they are advocating against Article 70 in the Constitution despite the article has given sustainability to the government and thus the development, reports BSS.
“Article 70 has given protection to democracy alongside further strengthening it to reach its benefit to the people. But, a few of our (parliament) members are against the article as they are unable to play the game of seating and unseating the government”, she said.
The Prime Minister, also Leader of the House, was delivering the valedictory speech in the 22nd (special) session of the 11th parliament, marking the Golden Jubilee of the Parliament with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.
The Prime Minister said a few parliament members are expressing concern over Article 70 in the Constitution due to their inexperience, referring to the unseating of the governments formed after 1946 and 1954 elections mainly due to floor-crossing of the parliament members.
“Many are expressing concern over Article 70 in the Constitution. Those who are doing so, might have a lack of experience. Article 70 has given scope to our country to give the government stability, for which reason the country has witnessed development”, she said.
During his submission, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Ghulam Muhammed Quader spoke about revoking Article 70 of the Constitution.
Earlier, the parliament held a special discussion in line with a resolution taken by the Prime Minister on April 7 under section 147 of the rules of procedure of the parliament.
President Md Abdul Hamid delivered a memorial speech in the parliament highlighting the country’s achievements.
Leader of the Opposition Raushon Ershad, Deputy Leader of the House Matia Chowdhury and Chief Whip Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury, also spoke in the parliament.
Anti-liberation force is main barrier to constitutional government
Both treasury and opposition lawmakers said the anti-liberation force is the main barrier to the constitutional form of government.
“The anti-liberation force under the umbrella of BNP is the main obstacle to the constitutional form of government”, they said.
The lawmakers were participating in the discussion on a motion brought under section 147 of the rules of procedure of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) marking its golden jubilee at the Sangsad Bhaban.
Deputy Leader of the House Matia Chowdhury said the emergence of the parliament and the existence of the nation are closely related as Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made a huge sacrifice for development of the nation.
Praising the current development of the country, the deputy leader said Bangabandhu had liberated the country and his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to fulfill the dream of Bangabandhu.
“Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had introduced parliamentary form of government for the welfare of the people while the anti-liberation force is working to destabilize the country through neglecting constitutional consistency”, said Railways Minister Nurul Islam Sujan.
The present government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina established accountability in the Jatiya Sangsad, said Chief Whip Nur-E Alam Chowdhury.
He said, “The members of parliament are now the chairmen of the parliamentary standing committees instead of the concerned ministers and question-answer session is also relevant with the parliamentary procedure”.
Opposition leader of the Jatiya Sangsad Begum Raushan Ershad termed the Jatiya Sangsad as the centre of all the expectations and ambitions of the people.
She said as the whole activities of the government are being mobilized in the Jatiya Sangsad, that’s why political unity is crucial for well-functioning of the legislative house.
Treasury bench lawmaker Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed, Jatiya Party deputy leader GM Kader, among others, also participated in the discussion.
