More seats in JS
The ruling BNP led four party alliance government is going to extend the seats of parliament from 300 to 450 through amending the constitution. Moreover, 50 seats for women are likely to be reserved to be distributed proportionately. To evaluate such a decision, we must focus on certain matters in the socio-economic contest.
Election, by which MPs are elected, is a pre-condition for democracy. In fact, holding election is a process which expends the lion's share of national revenue. So, increase in constituencies will raise public expenditure. Besides, increased constituencies will pave the way for conflict among upazila chairmen and MPs.
The proposed expansion plan badly needs consensus among all the political parties, woman organizations and people at large. A plebiscite can be arranged in this respect.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Local government should be strengthened by involving upazila chairmen in development schemes, so that lawmakers will have more time to concentrate on law-making.