Muhith says no to MPs

Finance Minister AMA Muhith has rejected the lawmakers' fresh call for a block allocation of Tk 15 crore for development works in each of their constituencies.
At a pre-budget meeting with the finance minister on Wednesday night, chairmen of the parliamentary standing committees made the proposal for the block allocation to each of the MPs.
Muhith, however, told the meeting that the government was considering spending the money for health, education and LGED sectors through the local government bodies.
He said he had talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over strengthening the local government, meeting sources said.
In the previous tenure of the Awami League-led government, Tk 15 crore was allocated to each of the MPs for development works in their constituencies, like constructing small roads, culverts.
Major (retd) Rafiqul Islam Bir Uttam, chairman of a parliamentary standing committee, told The Daily Star yesterday that all the chairmen strongly opposed the government's plan for channelling the money through local government bodies.
"We told the minister that such plan of the government will bring disaster on us," he said.
It will give people an impression that the lawmakers are no longer necessary and consequently, they will not vote for the incumbent MPs in the next election, he added.
During the meeting, the chairmen of the standing committees also demanded inclusion of more schools under the monthly payment order (MPO) scheme.
Muhith, however, said no new school would be brought under the scheme; instead the government would provide financial assistance to the selected non-government educational institutions.
The chairmen of 12 standing committees were present in the meeting held at the State Guest House Padma in the capital.