Ruling MP wants to allow vote against budget

A ruling party lawmaker today voiced an opinion to amend the provision of constitution, allowing an MP to vote against respective political party.

Speaking at the parliament on 2017-18 budget, Awami League MP Maj Rafiqul Islam (retd) brought up Article 70 of the Constitution that scraps lawmaker status for voting against party.

“Because of Article 70 of the Constitution, ruling party MPs are bound to vote in favour of the party,” he said. “The finance minister thinks the MPs will pass anything he will place on the table.”

He demanded necessary amendment to the constitutional provision “so that the ruling party lawmakers can vote against the budget”.

Muhith draws flak in House

Also, Finance Minister AMA Muhith drew flak at parliament over the budget he placed – that has been the topic of discussion for hiked excise duty on bank accounts and flat VAT rate.

Criticisms were voiced from senior parliamentarians including Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim, former minister Abul Kalam Azad, Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, reports Bangla daily Prothom Alo.

“Your duty is to submit the budget. Considering the betterment of the people, the 350 parliamentary representatives will decide what (provision) will stay, which will go,” Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim said.

“Withdraw from stubbornness, talk less,” he said. “A bad impression will be created about Awami League over this small sum of money throughout the entire nation.”

Yesterday, Muhith categorically said the government would withdraw the proposed increase in excise duty on bank deposits amid continuous criticisms.