This is an effective, true parliament

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last night described the current parliament as “very effective and lively”.

“This parliament is very effective. No abusive language is used in the House. Parliament is functioning on the basis of constructive activities and constructive criticism by the opposition, which is the nature of a real and effective House,” the PM said in her winding up speech at the seventh session of the 10th parliament.

She also thanked the opposition party and its leader for making the session lively with their regular presence and participation. “This time, the role of the opposition was really lively.”

Hasina said she could ignore interference of the big powers, including the World Bank, in the country's internal affairs on different occasions because of her honesty.

“When they [the World Bank and other big powers] advised me not to hang war criminals, I ignored them. The only reason I could do that is whatever I do, I do it with honesty.”

It was for her honesty that Bangladesh had been able to overcome the allegation of corruption raised by the World Bank over the Padma Bridge project, she said.

Referring to the ongoing movement by public university teachers over the new pay scale, the PM said no government in the past, except for the AL government, could increase the salaries of public servants to a huge extent.

“I don't know why some are expressing dissatisfaction over the new pay scale. Then what's the solution? Should we revoke the pay commission and half the increased salaries and then go forward with their demands,” a smiling Hasina said.

For the first time in the country, she claimed, her government has introduced a system for raising the salaries of the public servants at a cumulative rate that would not affect anyone.

On the ongoing movement by the private university students over the 7.5 percent VAT on their tuition fees, she said the students would not have to pay the VAT; rather the university authorities would pay it.

The PM also highlighted various steps of her government for developing the higher education sector.

The seventh session of the 10th parliament was prorogued last night with eight working days. Six bills were passed in the current session.