Political fate of Sircar, Akhter, Delwar hinges on parliament decision

JS probe committee likely to place report on July 6/8
The ‘All-Party Parliamentary Probe Body investigating corruptions during the 8th parliament’ will finalise its recommendations in connection with the graft charges against former Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar, Deputy Speaker Akhter Hamid Siddiqui and former Chief Whip Khandaker Delwar Hossain on July 5 and is likely to place its report before the House on July 6/8.
In view of this, the political fate of the three BNP leaders now hinges on the decision to be taken by Parliament.
However, according to knowledgeable persons, there is no provision in the Constitution of Bangladesh as well as rules of procedures of the Jatiya Sangsad – under which any punitive action can be taken in this connection.
Talking to The Bangladesh Today, Chairman of the committee Advocate Fazle Rabbi said, “Today’s (Wednesday) meeting of the facts-finding committee was adjourned till July 5. We are yet to finalise the reports on the misappropriation of money and misuse of power by the three renowned political personalities belonging to the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).”
About the progress of a set of recommendations seeking exemplary punishment with regards to this, he said, “Reports are being prepared. On the other hand, we are reviewing the parliamentary rules and procedures as well as Constitutions of some other countries like India and Canada.”
Asked, “When would you place your report before the Parliament?” the Awami league legislature said, “The adjourned meeting of the committee scheduled for July 5 will finalise it. I hope we will be able to place the report from July 6 to 8.”
While his attention was drawn to what type of action is likely to be taken and what recommendations will be made against them, Advocate Rabbi failed to give a clear idea excepting, “We are studying this. It’s the Parliament which is to decide about this.”
Referring to some instances of the Indian Parliament, some MPs mentioned that the late Indian Prime Minister Indrira Gandi was detained for not responding to the call of the parliamentary committee of that country.
Besides, one Indian parliament member SG Modagalley had to face legal action on charges of his moral degradation and certain sorts of irregularities.
A member of the Probe Committee said that the Jatiya Sangsad may enact some provisions in the Constitution or in the Parliamentary rules of procedures to settle such issue which will help ensure more accountability and transparency in the parliamentary affairs.
Earlier, three BNP leaders – Jamiruddin Sircar, Akhter Hamid Siddiqui and BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain -were summoned by the JS body on June 27 to defend graft charges against them but they remain unheard.
According to committee members, former Speaker and Deputy Speaker however contacted the committee and explained the causes of their abstention from the meeting in writing.

Courtesy of The Bangladesh Today