Opinion
Improving the quality of parliamentary proceedings
ABMS Zahur
Emperor Akbar became Akbar the Great. He proved to be a good administrator, a good negotiator and a good leader, though he did not have any formal education. Of course that was in sixteenth and seventeenth century when administration was much simpler and he was a king. Moreover he could leader a lot from his able house tutor. He was guided by a bunch of able and experienced advisors. However, his ability to choose his advisors is commendable. In Bangladesh we are striving hard to establish parliamentary democracy in a society with a very high rate of illiteracy (57%), low per capita income, low urban residence, weak local government, and relatively few private associations. The task of running administration in such an environment efficiently may be difficult but not impossible. In a parliamentary democracy parliamentarians are lawmakers, national policy makers and guide to executive. As such these representatives of the people (regarded as very important persons) should be fully aware of their role. If they fail to participate in the discussions on national issues, if they cannot show enough interest in attending even the parliament sessions, then what can we expect from them? Some empty promises, some consolatory statements, not to be taken seriously!Policy making in a democratic country is a highly demanding and difficult task because behind every policy there is some objective which may be short term or long term. In formulating a national policy it is to be seen carefully as to its acceptability to the people on implementation. Because we do not have good system of assessing people's opinion, we can rarely successfully implement even good policies. To elaborate the point further let me take a hypothetical case. All conscious and educated people understand that there is an urgent need for right sizing the government because too many less than efficient persons are performing too little work inefficiently. Maintaining a large number of them at a huge cost is a crippling burden on the government. No elected government may ever dare to slash even one third of the personnel without strong support from people. In certain cases we see part implementation of plans (only those parts where resistance is not given). Foreign aided projects face another kind of hindrance. Delay in reimbursement or release results in cost escalation, sometimes it also causes unnecessary modification of the plans to accommodate the wishes of pressure groups or so-called high-ups. Discussion on big plans or critical issues must be made in the parliament because they touch all the segments of the people. But such discussion will only be meaningful and effective if the participating members can really understand it properly. If the members fail to understand properly then they will not participate or remain absent from the sessions. For proper understanding a reasonable level of education is required and particularly the ministers will be more efficient and responsible if vigorous discussions are held in the parliament. Moreover, the members will be able to show their worth during discussions. While giving nomination all parties must ensure that their candidates are capable of understanding the complex and intricate issues. Through sheer flattery or wealth no member can serve the interest of either the party or the government or the country. After all, presence of a large number of dumb politicians is not a pretty sight. It is unfortunate that we have not been able to make majority of our MPs coming up with good suggestions to modify certain plans to make them more realistic and efficient. If it could be done the entire scenario of our development will be more vigorous. Government must encourage the more knowledgeable and the more experienced to participate in discussions. We hear a lot from the government about its preparation to fact the challenge of the 21st century. How far it has really been able to show its preparation has remained a moot point. Broadly speaking the following points must be emphasised to bring qualitative change in government decisions and improved pace in implementation of decisions: a. Knowledgeable and experienced ministers, members of parliament and small number of but efficient civil servants; b. Drastic reduction in corruption; c. Proper in time briefing of parliament members; d. Use of reliable statistical data in preparation of plans; e. Quick release or reimbursement of funds; f. No change or modification in the plans once the plan starts; g. Political consideration be given only if it is strongly supported by economic consideration. Though 14 years have elapsed after the fall of dictatorial regime of Ershad, we have not yet realised fully the strength of common people. Why should we hesitate to accept that it is the common people who have so far kept the limping democracy of Bangladesh alive. Be it struggle for independence, be it throwing out dictatorship, be it ensuring fair election -- the common people's contribution has been the most. They become frustrated when the party in position betrays or their representatives concerned fail to contribute to their welfare because of lack of knowledge or experience. With the increase in the rate of literacy and improvement in standard of living, the stature of MPs needs to be elevated. The days of catchy slogans, exploiting dynastic glory are over. Better candidates will, however, be available if the parties can recognise merit and reputation. ABMS Zahur is a retired Joint Secretary.
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