JS blasts TIB

Senior lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties today came down heavily on Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) for its findings on quorum crisis which was revealed on Tuesday. 

They also raised questions about the organisation's right to make comments about the parliament and the constitution saying that the TIB has crossed its limit by making remarks about politics and parliament.

The Awami League and Jatiya Party lawmakers vehemently criticised TIB's activities saying that in every country the organisation works to ensure transparency of the government while in Bangladesh it is working to instigate violence.

On Tuesday, TIB revealed its findings saying that quorum crisis in the ninth parliament caused the country a waste of more than Tk 104 crore.

Over 222 hours (9 days) were wasted due to quorum crisis in the 418 parliament sittings from 2009 to 2013. This means 32 minutes were wasted in each sitting, causing a waste of Tk 25 lakh, the findings exposed. 

The TIB in its observation said as there is no opposition party in a "real sense" in the 10th Jatiya Sangsad, there is no opportunity for holding the government accountable. 

Taking floor on a point of order today, AL senior lawmaker Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim initiated the debate about TIB's findings, with deputy speaker Fazle Rabbi Mia in the chair.

Selim demanded the Speaker's ruling in this regard.

The Deputy Speaker, however, did not give ruling, but said that TIB's remark about the parliament is "very unfortunate".

TIB has crossed its limit by making comments about politics and parliament, Selim said.

Selim also demanded the government investigate the source of money of TIB and whether its fund is used for militancy.

He further demanded investigation on the income of the civil society members.

"I am requesting the finance minister to find out the source of income of the civil society members as they lead luxurious lives."

Regarding the next election, Selim said the January 5 election was held in accordance to the constitution and the next national election will be held under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after five years.

"Election is only for people not for any terrorists."

Selim also said that there is no difference between BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s and TIB's remark.

Standing on a point of order, Jatiya Party presidium member and Water Resource Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud also blasted the TIB, saying, in ever country the organisation works to ensure transparency of the government, but in Bangladesh it works to instigate violence.