National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam, has been nominated as the opposiiton party chief whip of the 13th National Parliament.
The decision was unanimously taken at an NCP parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday morning, following the swearing-in of newly elected MPs a senior NCP source confirmed the information, which was also verified by NCP Joint Secretary Joynal Abedin Shishir to Dhaka Tribune.
Role of the chief whip and whips
In a parliamentary democracy, the chief whip and whips play a crucial role in maintaining party discipline in the legislature. According to the Bangladesh (Whips Order, 1972) and parliamentary procedures, their main responsibilities include:
- Maintaining party discipline: Ensuring party members follow party policies and instructions (whips) during parliamentary sessions.
- Ensuring attendance: Making sure party MPs attend sessions, and recalling members to the chamber if quorum is at risk.
- Coordinating votes: Securing the presence of party MPs and ensuring voting aligns with party positions on important bills or motions.
- Providing information: Supplying MPs with necessary details regarding parliamentary proceedings and scheduling meetings.
Status and benefits
By law, the chief whip and Whips are granted special status and state facilities:
- Chief whip: Receives a salary, allowance, and other protocol privileges equivalent to a full minister, and may appoint a personal assistant (PS) and an office assistant.
- Whips: Hold the rank of state ministers and enjoy corresponding salaries, allowances, and privileges.