Make parliament functional

Eminent economist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad speaks at a roundtable titled 'Bringing changes to Bangladesh' at the Prothom Alo office in the city yesterday. On his right are Sultana Kamal, Prof Dilara Chowdhury and Debapriya Bhattacharya and on his left are Dr AK Azad Chowdhury, Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman, Prof Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and Prof Asif Nazrul. Photo: STAR

Speakers at a roundtable yesterday called on the major political parties to make the national parliament functional and the focal point of all debates by prioritising the national interests instead of party interests.
They also stressed the need to bring changes to the political culture to rid the country of politics of conflict, non-cooperation and blame game.
They said the main responsibility lies with the party in power to make parliament effective. It has to take steps to encourage the opposition to join the parliament session. On the other hand, the opposition must not forget the promises they made to the people.
The Prothom Alo organised the roundtable titled 'Bringing changes to Bangladesh' at its office in the city as part of its 11th founding anniversary celebrations.
The speakers pointed out that the development of the country lies in education, ensuring quality health service for all and a functional local government system. But without sensible political culture, a functional parliament and democracy cannot be ensured.
Eminent economist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad called for steps to ensure quality education and healthcare service delivery.
Quality education and health services must reach rural people and primary education must be given the highest priority, he added.
Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman, a member of BNP standing committee, said it is regretful that BNP is not going to join the next parliament session. However, congenial atmosphere is also absent in parliament.
Sultana Kamal, former adviser to the caretaker government, said human rights must be protected to ensure democracy.
Violations of human rights are taking place in the country through extra-judicial killings, she said.
She also said the newly established Human Rights Commission is weak in nature. Basic reform is a must to make it functional.
Eminent economist Debapriya Bhattacharya said that after the change of the party in power, steps taken by the previous government become obsolete. A steady development process is necessary harmonising the development plans of every government.
Prof Muhammad Zafar Iqbal said budgetary allocation for the education sector is not enough.
The bureaucrats play a negative role by making decisions on education system, he said, adding that they should be relieved of this task.
Prof Dilara Chowdhury, Prof Asif Nazrul, Dr AK Azad Chowdhury and Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman also spoke at the roundtable.