Leaders of two major political parties and civil society members at a roundtable yesterday hailed the 'Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament Bill 2010' and called on the government to enact it as a law soon.
Awami League lawmaker Saber Hossain Chowdhury placed the bill as a private members' bill in parliament recently. The bill is designed to ensure that the lawmakers uphold high moral standards in their activities in and outside the House.
AL lawmaker Golam Mawla Rony, AL leader Mahmudur Rahman Manna and BNP leaders Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman and Enam Ahmed Chowdhury attended the roundtable organised by Shujan at the National Press Club in the city.
Some speakers said that the government should discuss all crucial issues, including signing of treaties with any other country, in parliament.
Mahbubur Rahman said it is necessary to change the mindset of political leaders alongside formulation of a code of conduct for them.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna said practice of democratic culture is a must in all segments of society. But more important is what the two leaders -- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia -- want in this regard, he added.
Enam Ahmed said all the treaties signed with other countries should be ratified in parliament through discussion.
Golam Mawla Rony emphasised the need to bring a positive change to the political culture through constructive criticism.
Chairing the discussion, Shujan President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad underscored the need for turning the bill into a law immediately.
Shujan Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar said one of the important tasks of parliament is to ensure transparency and accountability of its members.
Prof Moniruzzaman Miah, former minister Sardar Amzad Hossain, former secretaries Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and KM Nurul Huda, former Public Service Commission chairman Mostafa Chowdhury and actor Ilias Kanchan also spoke.