Our lawmakers

By Anupam Barua, Atish Dipankar Road Dhaka
6 May 2004, 18:00 PM
We were dismayed to learn about the passage of bills in the Jatiya Sangsad enhancing MPs' perks by 100 to 600 per cent. The decision to raise the amount, however, was quite timely to give them relief from the price hike. They were also allowed to gain tax-free cars at the expense of the public exchequer. Now the lawmakers are demanding free telephone.

Apparently, these claims may appear to be illogical but are truly democratic! The present day democracy is representative in character. The poor condition of the national exchequer makes it difficult to fulfil the needs of the general people. As such, the benefit is extended to those who are representing the people. They are elected by the people and represent them. So it is obligatory for them to see that their requirements are fulfilled. We are very happy indeed to see that they are representing us by receiving enhanced salary and allowances, using tax-free luxury cars to be highly mobile to make liaison with those who elected them. They are making the best use of tele-communication involving crores of taka to quickly communicate with thousands of people at home and abroad.

Long live representative democracy!