SERVING as an elected representative of the people is a solemn obligation, but one that the nation's MPs have not, by and large, fulfilled to the extent that those who voted for them would expect. It is thus incumbent upon our parliamentarians to redouble their efforts and buckle down to do the job they were elected to do.

We were discouraged to learn that, according to a recent report issued by TIB. over Tk 5 crore has been wasted already this year due to the failure of the parliament to sit on time for lack of quorum. When quorum requires a mere 60 members out of a House of 330. failure to achieve it is really unacceptable.

This quorum crisis is emblematic of the failure of our MPs to serve with sincerity and conscientiousness. Indeed, it is tantamount to not even bothering to show up for work It is thus clear that serious self-corrective steps must be taken by the parliamentarians to bring their conduct into line with what is expected of them and what their obligations are.

We support TIB s suggestion that absence of 30 days, instead of 90. should lead to loss of seat. In fact, 30 days, unless it is a health related problem, may even be excessively generous. What other line of work would countenance such prolonged absence for no good cause? We also agree that there should be no remuneration for those absent, as would be the case in any other line of work.

As for the opposition, we once again urge it to eschew the politics of boycott. The provision for staging a walk out is there to be used to express dissent, but this is very different from refusing to attend the parliament at all. Continuous boycott. thus neglecting the job you have been elected to perform, is nothing more or less than a dereliction of duty

In short, the parliamentarians, both government and opposition, must get their act together and ensure that parliament functions as intended. If the nation is to have any faith in its elected leaders and. indeed, in the very institution of parliamentary democracy, then it is imperative that our "* parliamentarians be ‘more conscientious and make more of an effort to ensure that parliament is functional. It is their job, after all.