Only government praises in Parliament, no important discussions: Menon

Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon today in Parliament said they will have to listen only to praises of the government if lawmakers do not have the freedom to discuss any important issues.

Pointing to how the Speaker did not consider Menon’s notice to discuss the sorry state of the banking sector, he said, “MPs in parliament generally cannot express their independent opinion in many cases due to Article 70 of the constitution.

“Moreover, we will hear only praises in parliament, if we cannot hold discussions on such important issues. People, as well as MPs, will lose interest in the Parliament.”

Under article 70, lawmakers lose their seats in parliament if they vote in the House against the party that nominated them.

Talking about the banking sector of the country, Menon said that credit flow in the private sector -- 9.83 percent only -- is the lowest it has been in the last eleven years.

He also criticised Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal saying, “The steps he has taken to reduce the amount of loan defaulter were pro-businessmen, not pro-banking sector or pro-economy.”

Menon demanded that a list of money launderers in the country be published, similar to the one of the loan defaulters.

He also emphasised forming a bank commission to bring discipline to the banking sector.

“Above all, confiscate the wealth of bank looters and ensure their exemplary punishment,” he said.