Row over ministers’ absence in budget session

A discussion on ministerial attendance during the ongoing budget session took place in Parliament on Monday after an opposition lawmaker expressed concern over the frequent absence of ministers from the House.

The issue was raised by opposition MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon, elected from Dhaka-12, during the general discussion on the proposed national budget. The sitting was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

Milon said lawmakers invest considerable time preparing for budget debates, but many ministers were often absent when discussions took place.

“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 said.
Referring to several vacant ministerial seats, including those of the Health Minister and Home Minister, he urged the Speaker to take notice of the matter.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad acknowledged the concern and stressed the importance of 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 said many ministers were engaged in official duties but agreed that their presence in Parliament remained important.

“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 regularly attends budget discussions because all sectoral issues ultimately have financial implications.

“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 also expressed hope that ministers who were unable to attend regularly would participate in future sittings, listen to lawmakers’ concerns and contribute more actively to addressing public issues.

Responding to the criticism, Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku pointed to the absence of senior opposition leaders from the House.

“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 particular significance because ministers are responsible for answering questions and responding to issues raised by lawmakers.

“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.

The discussion took place while Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman was on an official visit to Malaysia.

Accompanying him were 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.

The Speaker’s remarks reflected a broader call for greater participation by ministers during budget deliberations, which are considered among Parliament’s most important proceedings.