Quader: TIB report over JS is incorrect, not information-based

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday rejected the recent report of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) that mentioned that the ruling party exercises monopoly of power in parliamentary activities, saying the report is not correct and not information-based.

“Though the number of opposition lawmakers is lesser, they are getting sufficient time and taking part in all activities. If they could not enhance the number of seats by getting people’s vote, its responsibility does not go to the parliament,” he said.

Quader, also Awami League general secretary, was replying to queries of journalists after formally inaugurating the upper extended part of Shetu Bhaban in Dhaka.

TIB in its report said among the lawmakers, the percentage of businessmen is higher.

About the statement, the minister said: “Politicians take part in elections and become lawmakers. They can do business and other jobs to run their families. 

“They cannot do politics while staying in government jobs. Then, how they will do politics, would they get involved in extortion?”

He said among the lawmakers, some individuals are lawyers, physicians and some do politics.

After getting people’s trust and support, they came to the parliament, took part in different development activities and this is not an offence, he added.