Positive changes in JS, but effectiveness under question: TIB

A new study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today reported positive changes in the current Jatiya Sangsad (JS), but said expected effectiveness of the parliament was under question most of the time.

The positive changes include average meeting duration, time spent while passing a law, and increase in the average attendance of parliament members on workdays and decline in quorum crisis on average.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman revealed the ‘Parliament Watch’ report at the institution’s Dhanmondi office in Dhaka.

The study is based on 112 working days of the current JS – second session to sixth session from July 2014 – June 2015 – of the 10th parliament.

The anti-graft watchdog came up with a 12-point charter of recommendations for better functionality of the JS. The recommendations include regular attendance of the lawmakers, more accountability of the parliament, boosting public participation, disbursing more information and safeguarding democracy.

TIB found out that attendance of the leader of the house was 83 percent as opposed to 57 percent of the opposition leader.