DHAKA – Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Sushasaner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) on Saturday demanded preparing a code of conducts for lawmakers and considering it in Parliament as a private bill keeping the provisions of punishment for violation of rules.
The demand was made at a roundtable on the necessity of a law on code of conducts for lawmakers at the National Press Club.Addressing the meeting general secretary of Sujan Dr Badiul Alam Majumder said as Members of Parliament (MPs) lawmakers are very honourable persons as they are elected by the people.
“The people expect responsible and exemplary conducts from them (MPs). Besides, the honour and image of lawmakers will enhance if they perform their duties with honesty, transparency and responsibility,” he said.
Majumder said the rules of procedures have clear rules and regulation on the responsibilities and duties inside Parliament but there is no law to ensure their decent conduct outside of the House.
“So, we demand for considering the a code of conducts for lawmakers in the House as a private bill on their duties and responsibilities outside of Parliament,” he added.
Executive director of TIB Dr Iftekharuzzaman said there is code of conducts for lawmakers in many countries in the world including the neighbouring India.
He said the ruling Awami League in its election charter also vowed to prepare a code of conduct for lawmakers.
“So, it is very urgent to prepare a code of conduct for lawmakers keeping the clear provision of punishment for its violation,” he said.
Meanwhile, referring to a TIB study, the Sujan general secretary said that about 97 lawmakers are involved in negative activities while 53.7 per cent in positive activities.
He said the survey was carried out in 149 constituencies out of 220 in 44 districts. Of the lawmakers, 141 are males and the rest 8 are females.
The survey sampled 136 lawmakers including 27 ministers and state ministers from the ruling alliance and 13 from the opposition.
Majumder said all the 27 ministers and state ministers, 12 out of 13 opposition lawmakers and 7 out of 8 female MPs were found involved in negative activities.
Presided over by former chief election commissioner ATM Shamsul Huda, the function was also addressed, among others, by former adviser of caretaker government Shafi Sami and Justice Kazi Ebadul Haque. – Staff Reporter
