Dhaka-12 Member of Parliament Saiful Alam Khan Milon has drawn the Speaker’s attention to the notable absence of ministers during the National Parliament’s budget session.
Standing on a point of order during Monday’s session, Milon said the absence of ministers prevents many MPs from effectively raising constituency issues, public suffering, and urgent matters.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed described the matter as “regrettable” and reminded ministers of the need for their presence. However, he noted that at least the finance minister is present in parliament – a positive aspect.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam said ministers’ presence is essential, but since it is the budget session, the finance minister has been present from beginning to end, as he has to answer most questions. He added that many ministers are abroad on state duties.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku pointed out that the leader of the opposition and deputy leader are also absent from the opposition benches. The speaker responded that while that is one matter, ensuring ministers’ presence is much more important.
The absence of ministers was evident in the session hall attendance. By 3:45 pm on Monday, among the 19 front-row ruling party seats, only 6 were present. Among senior ministers, the Local Government Minister and Finance Minister were seen.
Among 24 second-row seats, 11 were present, and among 26 third-row seats, 11 were present. Comparatively, attendance of women MPs was higher.
