A debate erupted in Parliament on Monday after an opposition lawmaker questioned the repeated absence of ministers during the ongoing budget session.
The issue was raised by Dhaka-12 lawmaker Saiful Alam Khan Milon during the general discussion on the proposed national budget, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. The Speaker acknowledged the concern and called for improved ministerial attendance to ensure more effective participation in one of Parliament’s most important proceedings.
Saiful Alam Khan Milon said lawmakers spent considerable time preparing for budget debates, but many ministers were not present to hear their contributions.
“We come here after taking detailed notes and making preparations. Members from the treasury bench and different political parties participate in the discussions, but most ministers are not present,” he told the House.
Referring to several vacant seats, including those allocated to the health minister and home minister, he urged the Speaker to intervene.
Responding, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said he also wanted to see greater ministerial participation during the budget session.
“You should be thankful that at least the finance minister is present. However, other ministers should also attend. The budget session is an important session, and we would be obliged if they remained present,” he said.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam acknowledged the concern but said many ministers were occupied with official responsibilities.
“The reality is that many ministers remain busy with state affairs. Nevertheless, they should attend Parliament. It is certainly better when they are present,” he said.
Defending the government’s position, he noted that the finance minister had attended the budget discussions throughout because all sectoral issues ultimately fell within his remit.
“Whether members speak about health, power, law and order or any other sector, the Finance Minister ultimately responds on behalf of the government,” he added.
The Chief Whip expressed hope that ministers who had been absent would attend future sittings, listen to lawmakers’ concerns and take a more active role in addressing public issues.
Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku rejected the opposition’s criticism, pointing instead to the absence of senior opposition figures.
“Before criticising the absence of ministers, they should look at themselves. Neither the Leader nor the Deputy Leader of the Opposition is present in Parliament,” he said.
The Speaker, however, maintained that ministerial attendance carried greater importance.
“It is not a major problem if the opposition leader is absent. Ministers need to be present because they are responsible for responding on behalf of the government. Still, for the sake of parliamentary decorum, everyone’s presence is desirable,” he said.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who is also Leader of the House, is currently on an official visit to Malaysia. Accompanying him are Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit.
