Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury yesterday urged lawmakers to take steps to abolish the caretaker government system and strengthen the Election Commission (EC) for holding free and fair parliamentary elections.
Jatiya Party chief HM Ershad echoed her and urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to free politics from the caretaker government system.
Treasury bench MPs supported their proposals, thumping desks in parliament during a general discussion on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year yesterday.
The caretaker government system was introduced in the constitution in 1996 in the face of vigorous agitation of opposition political parties.
The EC also opined earlier that if it is strengthened, the caretaker government is not necessary for holding the parliamentary election in a free and fair manner.
Participating in the discussion in the last few days of the running parliamentary session, many lawmakers have demanded increasing budgetary allocation for including more educational institutions under monthly payment order (MPO).
They suggested allocating at least Tk 600 crore in the budget for the purpose instead of the proposed Tk 112 crore.
Syeda Sajeda blasted the caretaker government led by Fakhruddin Ahmed for remaining in power violating the constitution and carrying out many “controversial” and “repressive” activities.
“The last caretaker government’s unconstitutional activities destroyed the spirit of the very caretaker government system. They remained in power for about two years, violating the constitution. Their rule has destroyed the country’s economy and increased sufferings of commoners as prices of essentials went beyond their reach,” the deputy leader of the House said.
“If the Election Commission is strengthened, there is no need for the caretaker government system. So, I urge all members of parliament to scrap the system and strengthen the Election Commission,” she said, adding that the December 29 parliamentary election proved that a strong EC can hold a free and fair general election.
She lauded various proposals made in the budget.
Jatiya Party chief HM Ershad said the caretaker government system is a “taint in politics”. “We want to get free from the caretaker government system. We ourselves have tainted us by introducing the system. We want an end to it,” he said.
The former military ruler, however, advocated for the last caretaker government, saying the existence of the country would have been threatened if January 11, 2007 had not occurred.
“Besides, we would not have been able to assume power if the parliamentary election had been stage-managed under a caretaker government,” Ershad said, hinting at the government led by Iajuddin Ahmed.
“So, if the caretaker government that assumed office after 1/11 made any mistake, they should be pardoned,” he said.
On the construction of Tipaimukh dam by India, Ershad urged the prime minister to visit India to meet her counterpart to resolve the issue.
He opposed and suggested scrapping a budgetary proposal for imposing duty on import of newsprint, saying it would hamper the country’s newspaper industry.
Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal chief Hasanul Haque Inu proposed increasing funds for defence purchase and salaries and allowances of the police force.
Lauding the proposed budget, ruling alliance lawmakers strongly criticised the main opposition BNP for skipping the budget session.
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