In our country, Members of Parliament are directly elected through general elections to serve in a unicameral legislative system. Their primary duties revolve around legislative responsibilities, including passing laws and ensuring oversight of the executive branch to hold it accountable and ensure it fulfills its duties effectively. Another key responsibility is passing the annual Finance Act, which governs government revenue collection and expenditure.
However, it is regrettable that Members of Parliament (MPs) still do not have formal offices in their respective constituencies. This lack of dedicated workspace prevents them from properly monitoring government activities at the local level and from maintaining regular contact with constituents. If a voter wishes to meet their MP, they often have to travel either to the MP's private residence or to the MP hostel in Dhaka. This is both inconvenient for the public and intrusive to the personal privacy of our elected representatives.
Most of the time, MPs have to rely on the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office for meetings or updates on constituency matters. However, the DC office, often lavishly decorated and highly resourced, unintentionally creates an environment where bureaucrats may come across as overly authoritative. In contrast, MPs-who are the highest elected representatives of the people-lack basic facilities, privacy, and logistical support, often making their role uncomfortable and restricted.
Therefore, it is essential to establish a full-fledged, modern office for each MP in their constituency-ideally within the District Council premises. This office should be equipped with all necessary logistical facilities and support staff. The office secretary may be appointed from the MP's own party, as per their preference, and should be removable in cases of negligence or misconduct, without any bureaucratic red tape.
As state reform initiatives are ongoing, establishing formal constituency offices for MPs deserves urgent consideration. Such a move would help ensure better representation, oversight, and connection with the people whom MPs were elected to serve.
Md. Refatul Hossain
Additional Director (Retd.)
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)
Faridpur Region
