The Jatiya Party chairman, HM Ershad, has questioned the jurisdiction of the court in annulling constitutional provision adopted by parliament.
'I wonder whether this parliament has the sovereignty,' he said referring to the Supreme Court holding illegal the caretaker government provision of the Constitution incorporated in the 13th amendment by parliament.
It is the jurisdiction of the parliament to decide whether the system of caretaker government will exist or not, said the former president while taking part in
general discussion on the budget on Monday.
Ershad who ruled the country for nearly nine years said parliament has so far passed 14 amendments to the Constitution and the Supreme Court had cancelled three amendments.
'We know the hand of the Supreme Court is too long but does it so long to reach out the parliament?' he questioned.
Ershad said cancellation of law passed by parliament tantamount to making parliament needless and 'we the members of parliament are fools.'
However, he said, laws passed by parliament are not sacrosanct. Any law can be changed when it is deemed necessary. Parliament should have the exclusive power to cancel any law.
'They way parliament members were humiliated cannot be accepted, he added.
Ershad urged the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, to take stern action against the share market plunderers.
'Let it be proved that mass people are important to the prime minister than few individuals,' he said.
Ershad said nearly 33 lakh people have been pushed on to the street empty-handed by some culprits who manipulated the share market.
He said the government had lost one crore voters following the recent scam committed in the share market. 'We have to bring those voters to our side and woo back them to cast their votes in our favour,' he said.
The former president asked the government to take immediate and effective steps to bring the culprits to justice. 'Those who are guilty will have to be punished.'
Expressing concern over the price hike of essentials and rising inflation, he said food price would have to be controlled to bring back smile on the face of the commoners.
He urged the prime minister to take appropriate steps to keep the prices of essentials within the reach of the poor consumers during the holy month of Ramadan. 'If we fail to control the prices of essentials, it will dampen our achievements.'
Ershad sought exemplary punishment, if possible capital punishment, for those who are mixing poison with fruits and foodstuff.
He opposed the government step to send female workers abroad. 'It won't be a wise decision. We don't need the money earned in exchange of prestige of our women.'
He termed the issue of Limon shot and injured by RAB unfortunate but extended full support to RAB for controlling law and order. He said because of RAB, people have been able to live in peace. He suggested strengthening of the RAB.
Ershad criticised the finance minister for cutting subsidy on agricultural inputs and increasing fertiliser price. 'Review the proposals. Don't hurt the farmers.'
He also suggested re-fixing tax at source at 0.40 per cent instead of 1.5 to help grow the export sector.
Ershad proposed five beds for the poor in each private hospital so that the poor patients get access to healthcare services.
Source : New Age
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