During their participation in the discussion of the motion of thanks on the president's speech in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad, members of the ruling party devoted a significant portion of their speeches to applauding the accomplishments of the prime minister and the government, said Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today.  

"The discussion on the motion of thanks for the president's speech occupied a substantial 186 hours and 26 minutes, accounting for approximately 25.0% of the overall time dedicated to parliamentary proceedings. Within this timeframe, members of the ruling party allocated 19.8% of their time lauding the prime minister, and an additional 19.4% was devoted to praising the government," TIB said in its Parliament Watch report released on Sunday (1 October).

According to the TIB report, during the 186 hours and 26 minutes of discussion on the motion of thanks, the ruling party MPs contributed a substantial 156.28 hours (approximately 86.2%). The main opposition party spent a total of 20 hours and 18 minutes (around 11.2%), while other opposition parties dedicated 4 hours and 48 minutes (approximately 2.6%) to the discussion.

However, not only ruling party MPs, but also some opposition MPS devoted time to commend the government.

The lawmakers of the opposition party spent 11.9% time lauding the accomplishments of the government, finds the TIB report.

Besides, the opposition MPS devoted maximum time (44.4%) in discussing the current situation of the country and giving recommendations to the government. In addition, they spent 11.6% time criticising the government and other parties in the parliament.

On the other hand, the lawmakers from other opposition parties spent 58.6% time in criticism of the government. They also devoted 25.3% time in presenting their demands and proposals to the government.

The discussion of the motion of thanks on the president's speech also highlighted commending the government. 

According to the TIB report, 4 hours and 57 minutes were spent on reading out the president's speech over the five parliament sessions at the beginning of this year, which is 0,7% of the overall time dedicated to parliamentary proceedings.

The TIB report also finds that future planning for the country was not highlighted during the discussions on the president's speech.

Quorum crisis in 11th Jatiya Sangsad caused Tk89 crore in financial loss

An estimated loss of Tk89.28 crore has been incurred due to a quorum crunch in the 11th Jatiya Sangsad (JS), the report finds. 

"A total of 54 hours and 38 minutes were spent on quorum crunch, which is 6.5% of the total time spent on parliamentary proceedings. An average of 14 minutes 8 seconds is spent per working day. The average cost per minute of running the Parliament is about Tk2,72,364. As such, the estimated monetary value of the time spent in the quorum crunch is about Tk8,92,88,779," TIB said in its report.

The report said in 84% of the working days JS sessions started later than the scheduled time.

On every working day, the JS session started later than the scheduled time after a break, it added. 

The report said members of parliament have used unparliamentary words while giving speeches in this parliament.

It also said the speaker took a silent role in warning parliament members from using unparliamentary language.

A lack of order in the gallery and ensuring regular meetings of the Standing Committees was observed during the session, it added.

The TIB report further said that in the absence of the speaker, the lack of competence of the people responsible for running the Parliament was noticeable.