Parlamentary misconduct

     In Bangladesh , parliamentary misconduct has become routine ; it might appear a waste of effort even to discuss its whys and wherefores. Forget the daily adjournments and walkout; at times disrupters have spared no occasion, not even the once-sacrosanct presidential address. However, when confrontation reaches a point where the very existence of parliament is questioned, then it is distress time as much for democracy as for the institution itself.
      Parliament -watchers are wont to recalling the dignity and style of legislative conduct in the faraway days when such great parliamentarians gently sparred on the floor of the House. It is futile , and perhaps not even necessary, to expect the same levels of courtesy and grace from a parliament that has long been transformed in character Today's parliament is arguably more representative of society at large than at any time in the past. It is only fair then that rather then stick to the classical format, a lawmaker or lawbreaker be allowed to bring their own distinctive styles to parliamentary debate. The same goes for disruptions.
     The opposition cannot be expected to observe the niceties of parliamentary conduct in the face of grave misdemeanours by a government. The opposition was required to play the role of rigorous investigator in such cases as the Padma Bridge construction and share market scandals. However, that is a far cry. If all debates were to be settled on the street, as one lawmaker has so casually advocated, we would soon have no use for elections.In a democracy, it is the responsibility of the ruling dispensation to act with dignity even in the face of criticism and provocation, not the other way round . The disruption of parliament is more the creation of the ruling coalition. Looking at the recent happenings out of parliament , I am reminded of Shakespeare's words: 'But man, proud man/dressed in a little brief authority, .. Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven/As make the angels weep.' Our lawmakers must be certainly making all the angels in heaven weep.