JS hearings on appointments

The parliamentary special committee on constitutional amendments is considering making individuals' appointment to constitutional posts subject to confirmation by the Jatiyo Sangsad. We unequivocally endorse the idea. Such a process of filling important positions of the state will not only ensure a bipartisan approach to governance but also reassure the nation that those appointed to and confirmed in such positions have the competence to do the job. Given that for years positions of extreme significance in Bangladesh, such as those of the chief election commissioner, judges of the Supreme Court, chairman of the Public Service Commission, et cetera, have come under a cloud because of a blatant politicization of the appointments, this new step, if it truly comes to pass, will be a boon for democracy.
We, however, note the view of a member of the special committee to the effect that the prime minister's thoughts have to be ascertained before the proposal can meet with success. A severe parliamentary scrutiny of individuals appointed to core state positions, as also of the men or women appointed attorney general, will in our view not only enhance the credibility of the government but also convince the country that good, honest and capable people are in the right positions. The idea of parliamentary confirmation of executive appointments may be new for Bangladesh, but it has been a rule in such countries as the United States where the relevant Senate committees and the whole Senate vote on crucial appointments made by the President. There have been moments when presidential appointees, such as Supreme Court nominees, were rejected by the Senate. In the process, accountability was ensured.
We therefore see no reason for the prime minister to have reservations on the issue. The system will make it very hard for people of dubious reputation to occupy sensitive posts since the hearings, made in public, will scrutinize every detail of a nominee's background before certifying his or her ability to do the job. Let the idea be worked upon, in the greater national interest.