Govt criticised in parliament over 'corruption, lack of rule of law'

Several BNP, Jatiya Party, Gono Forum and Workers Party lawmakers today criticised the government in the parliament over corruption, absence of good governance and rule of law while participating in a resolution on holding a special discussion on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the country's independence.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday placed the proposal at the parliament.

Participating in the discussion, Jatiya Party Secretary-General Mujbul Haque Chunnu, MP, said, "There is no doubt that the country has achieved a lot. But let me say one thing, Bangabandhu said corruption must be eradicated. But that was not done.

"Bank looting, loan default, money laundering was not Bangabandhu's dream. We will have to stop all these," he said.

BNP MP Rumeen Farhana said Bangladesh was liberated as an independent country with the motto of democracy. "But in the last decade, democracy after development, limited democracy has been introduced in the country".

Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, a component in the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, said they are taking responsibility for the government's wrongdoings although they are not any part of the government's decision-making level.

Coming down heavily on the government for corruption and mismanagement in the health sector, Menon, a former cabinet minister in the Awami League-led government, said, "Health sector is mired in mismanagement. The health system needs to be overhauled."

Expressing dismay over the participation of businessmen in politics, Menon said, "We have noticed today that the military-civil bureaucracy-rich groups have now formed centring the ruling power of the country."

Gonoforum MP Mokabbir Khan said the government will have to ensure people's basic rights, voting rights and rule of law in the country.

A total of 59 MPs including PM Sheikh Hasina participated in 10 hours and 45 minutes long discussion in the last two days. The resolution was later adopted unanimously in the House.