An MP’s code of conduct, proposed by a MP from the ruling Awami League over two years ago, is yet to be passed.
AL MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury tabled “The Code of Conduct of the MPs Bill-2010,” containing seven guidelines to limit conflicts of interest and provide for an all-party ethics committee, on January 14, 2010. Despite recommendation by the parliamentary standing committee on private members’ bills nearly a year ago, the code is yet to be placed before Parliament.
One possible reason is that it would add to concerns already expressed about existing MPs serving on committees relating to sectors in which they have personal interests, in violation of the Rules of Procedure.
Parliament was perceived to be one of the most corrupt public institutions in Bangladesh in a recent TIB survey and the proposed code of conduct can help alleviate at least some of the public’s concerns. The proposed guidelines will help mitigate conflicts of interest, require MPs to address allegations of misconduct directed against them and demand transparency regarding their financial activities.
However, just passing this code of conduct is not sufficient; it must be enforceable. Appropriate mechanisms which allow for scrutiny by civil society and the media should be put in place with appropriate resources allocated to make sure the proposed code is upheld in practice and not only on paper.