PM thanks JP for role in JS
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday thanked Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad and opposition Jatiya Party leaders for “giving democratic practices an institutional shape”.
Present opposition party leaders, including the leader of the opposition, have shown that democratic practices can be followed properly, the PM told parliament, adding that use of abusive language and throwing of files, chairs and microphones do not happen in this parliament like in the past.
She made the comments while giving her closing speech in the 19th session of the current parliament.
Her remarks came a day after Raushan at the House urged Hasina to relieve three JP lawmakers from cabinet posts to help it emerge as the “real opposition” party and thus help the JP survive with dignity.
Raushan also asked whether the JP was in opposition or in government.
The cabinet formed after the January 5, 2014, elections has a JP minister and two state ministers. The BNP-led 20-party alliance boycotted the polls.
In her 50-minute speech, the PM issued a note of warning against those involved in corruption, militancy and criminal activities.
Hasina also said even if ministers, MPs and leaders of her party were involved in corruption, they would be brought to book as the Anti-Corruption Commission had been working independently.
She said, “We don't want to tolerate any corruption. The Anti-Corruption Commission has been working independently. They can summon and quiz any of our ministers, MPs and leaders if they have doubts [about anybody's involvement in corruption]. The government is not interfering and will not do so.
“They [ministers, MPs and AL leaders] will get punishment if allegations of corruption against them are proved.”
The ACC has already started the process of questioning a number of them, the PM added.
Referring to the cases filed against her during the last army-backed caretaker government, Hasina said she did not appeal for withdrawing the cases. “The cases were quashed as allegations of corruption against me were not proved.”
Pointing to the BNP's amendment to its constitution ahead of the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case verdict, Hasina said the political party which paved the way for keeping corrupt people at its helm could no way serve the interest of the people, they could only plunder resources, kill people and indulge in corruption.
The PM came down heavily on those who criticised her for telling the story of a donkey in parliament. “I have just told a story of a donkey. I have nothing to do if anyone considers themselves a donkey.”
ROHINGYA CRISIS
Earlier, replying to lawmakers' queries, the PM told parliament that Bangladesh always wants a sustainable solution to the Rohingya problem, maintaining friendly relations with Myanmar.
Talking about the agreement with the Myanmar government to repatriate the Rohingyas, she said any repatriation process is complex and lengthy.
"In just four months, we've signed three agreements with Myanmar to repatriate the Rohingyas," she said.
Hasina mentioned that the preparation was on for repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland.
In reply to another query, the PM said the government was identifying the movable and immovable properties of Bangabandhu's killers, convicted war criminals and razakars, which are in their names or other names, as part of its move to seize those.
The current session of the 10th parliament was prorogued last night having done 35 sittings. At least 15 bills were passed.
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