Elevating Parliamentary Effectiveness: TIB’s Recommendations from the 11th Jatiya Sangsad Review

The National Parliament is one of the most important institutions among the fundamental pillars of the national integrity system. Its role is crucial in enacting and reforming laws for public welfare, conducting constructive discussions and debates on public expectations and interests, ensuring accountability of the executive branch, and holding the government responsible to the people. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) aims to promote good governance and prevent corruption by conducting research that supports the effectiveness, transparency, and accountability of essential institutions in Bangladesh and by providing advisory services based on that research. Considering the central role of parliamentary activities in ensuring government accountability, transparency, and controlling corruption, TIB has been regularly monitoring the activities of the National Parliament since the first session of the 8th National Parliament held in 2001. However, due to a lack of spontaneous participation in legislative discussions, neglect of activities related to representation and accountability, ineffective parliamentary committees, lack of transparency of information, and absence of an effective opposition party, overall parliamentary processes have largely become formalistic.।

As elected representatives, members have often prioritized party identity over neutrality and responsibility, resulting in parliamentary activities dominated by praise of government and party achievements and aggressive criticism of opposition parties rather than issue-based, relevant, and constructive discussion. Although the time spent on lawmaking has increased compared to previous parliaments, meaningful discussion and debate remain insufficient.

Compared to earlier parliaments, the time devoted to activities establishing representation and accountability has decreased. On the other hand, parliamentary committees have not been effective enough in bringing the executive branch under accountability as expected. Additionally, the quorum crisis has led to continued wastage of state resources. Furthermore, no visible reflection of the ruling party’s electoral pledge to strengthen parliament has been seen in this parliament.

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