The Brexit debates in the House of Commons had at least the redeeming feature of the Conservative party members criticising its own Ministers of having failed in their duties or not having addressed them at all. Our Parliament prides itself in Westminster style operations but doesn't allow for floor crossing when an open vote is in place. Needless to say it is this deterrent that results in secret voting not being held. That, of course, is excluding the members misunderstanding a vote in which they said "yes" instead of "no" in a voice vote on a Private Members Bill. It caused a bit of an embarrassment resulting in the Speaker putting the voice vote to the law makers for a second time and creating much amusement for the Private Member Rashed Khan Menon. At best criticism comes in the form of questions put to Ministers with the option of a supplementary.
Having been in power for a little over eleven years, elements of dissent are emerging. Earlier this year two former Ministers, one from Awami League Amir Hossain Amu and Dilip Barua of Shammobadi Dal both had a go at each other for having failed in their duties both as Industries Minister. Barua criticised Amu for failing to relocate the Tannery Industry while Amu castigated him for doing nothing about relocating chemicals storage godowns from old Dhaka.
As it stands now, most tanneries have relocated with those left complaining about the need for a central effluent discharge system. The argument is reportedly over who bears the cost. As far as the chemicals godowns go, there has been hardly any progress. The issue lies in finding common space with the necessary facilities and Mayor Sayeed Khokon promising to solve it. He has provided a rough estimate of money required for the purpose to the government that is in all probability either gathering dust or is inching painfully forward. God forbid another disaster by the time this gets implemented.
These are but two of the many commitments that have yet to see the light of day. The recent deluge in Dhaka reminded us of the former LGRD minister having promised two years ago that the deluge that literally brought Dhaka traffic to a standstill would be solved in a year. The action taken was visible enough with larger sewage pipes being installed causing traffic snarls that were frustrating for traffic and commuters alike. Two years later it appears that whatever development took place was woefully inadequate, that too after a shower that wasn't anywhere nearly as heavy as the one two years ago.
It is the clearing of the drains of the polythene and tetra packs that is part of the problem. While one can't expect the Minister or the Mayor to descend on the streets for photo shots of them clearing the debris there are other methods. One could be using ward councillors and party workers to engage in community policing initially allocating a period where they would counsel and create meaningful awareness and then with the help of police and mobile courts to fine the offenders. Most people are unaware that fines for illegal parking and improper documentation have been increased manifold in this year's budget. What they do know is that it is more convenient to grease palms than to go through the exercise of trekking across town to pay the fine.
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