Deputy speaker asks MPs to do ‘homework’ before taking part in budget discussion

Deputy Speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah has asked the lawmakers to do necessary ‘homework’ before taking part in budget discussion.

The veteran politician has asked MPs to use the House’s library to prepare themselves for the discussion so that they could put forth their views with facts and statistics. 

Miah was speaking at a seminar titled ‘Hearing Lawmakers on Budget’ in Dhaka on Saturday, a week before the commencement of Parliament’s budget session.

Finance minister AMA Muhith is set to present the budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year in Parliament on Jun 4.

After a month-long discussion in the House, it will be passed on the last day of the current fiscal, Jun 30.

“If you can make a point, I will give you extra time when I will preside over the House,” he said.

“However, I request you to come prepare for the discussion. Don’t deliver speeches without any preparation.”

The Development Media and the Democratic Budget Movement organised the programme.

It was attended by two senior journalists—one from bdnews24.com—besides the lawmakers.

Former Chief Whip Abdus Shahid was on the chair.

Speaking at the programme, Miah also appealed to the members of parliament to take assistance from the ‘Budget Help Desk’.

Miah, who is also the chief of the Parliament’s library committee, expressed his frustration over MPs reluctance to use the library.

“Ours is a very rich library. But I regret to say that many, actually none, of our honourable members use this,” he said.

“A microscopic percentage uses the library.”

He said, “You will find budgets of other countries. Read those. You can propose alternative views when you raise specific questions. Even if the finance minister does not take, prime minister will.”

MP’s supervision on ADP project proposed

Speakers at the discussion also proposed that the parliament members’ be allowed to supervise the projects under Annual Development Programme (ADP).

bdnews24.com Chief Economics Correspondent Abdur Rahim Harmachi appealed to the lawmakers to supervise the local projects.

“Oversee what the project directors are doing, how much of the allocation is spent, what is the progress of the scheme, and so on,” he told the MPs.

He also suggested that budget discussion should be restricted only to budget.

The former chief whip and the deputy speaker of the House also sought lawmakers’ supervision over the projects.

“Project implementation will take less time if we can ensure this. It will ensure accountability,” said Miah.

“Members of the Parliament can play a greater role in local development.”

Abdus Shahid said supervision by the people’s representatives would ensure transparency.

Journalist Khawaza Mainuddin recommended a greater participation of MPs in budget preparation.

Expressing similar views, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal lawmaker Nazmul Haque Prodhan said, “If the MPs cannot take part in budget formulation, how the people can? Participation of the lawmakers in it should be ensured.”