A Jamaat-e-Islami member of parliament, Saiful Islam Khan, has questioned the absence of ministers from the budget session of the National Parliament. In response to his remarks, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said it was something to be thankful for that the finance minister, at least, was present.
During the discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the National Parliament on Monday, many ministers’ seats were empty. Rising on a point of order, Saiful Islam Khan drew the Speaker’s attention to the matter, saying he had noticed that most ministers remained absent for most of the budget session.
The Jamaat MP said: ‘Look here, the health minister, then our home minister, many ministers are absent. The ministers’ chairs are all empty. I seek your cooperation on this, honourable Speaker.’
In reply, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said: ‘I would like to see more ministers present in the budget session. Be thankful that the finance minister at least is here. But you should also request the other ministers on behalf of the members. The budget session is an important session. We would be obliged if they were present.’
After the Speaker’s remarks, the Chief Whip of the National Parliament, Nurul Islam, rose on a point of order. ‘Many ministers are busy with various state duties, but they should be present in parliament,’ he said. ‘The finance minister has been present throughout. On budget matters, it is the finance minister who will speak last on every sector.’
The chief whip added: ‘The BNP secretary general and local government minister, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is always present, and so are other ministers.’ He said he hoped those who did not attend would be present and take part in parliament.
At this point, the State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, Sultan Salauddin, said: ‘An opposition member said our ministers are absent, fine. But before saying that, he should have looked at his own side; neither the Leader of the Opposition nor the Deputy Leader is present in parliament. They too should be here properly.’
After the state minister’s remarks, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said there was no problem if the Leader of the Opposition was absent, but ministers needed to be present. Even so, for the dignity of parliament, it was desirable for everyone to attend, he said.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report