Ministers, MPs’ absence mars question hour in Parliament

The question hour in the parliament has witnessed a logjam due to the absence of at least three ministers and several MPs.

Parliament Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 28 April 2016, 05:44 PM
Updated : 28 April 2016, 05:44 PM

On Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Rashed Khan Menon, Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan and Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid were absent during the question hour, leading to important questions going unanswered.

Menon was supposed to answer a question that carried seven stars. Besides, he was to dwell on eight matters marked out for a written response.

Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah dropped the queries, as the three MPs, who were supposed to ask the questions, were themselves absent.

An MP told bdnews24.com on condition of anonymity that the whips led MPs Ayeen Uddin, Waseqa Ayesha Khan and Salina Begum out of the house, knowing that their issues would be raised during question hour while the ministers concerned were absent.

Deputy Speaker Miah speculated that three consecutive holidays ahead may have prompted the members and ministers to go home.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present in Parliament despite the absence of many members.