Dhaka: Parliament goes into its budget session tomorrow (Wednesday) with the disenchanted main opposition BNP participation remaining clouded in doubts.  

Finance Minister Abul Mal Abdul Muhith is likely to place the budget for the fiscal 2010-11 on June 10. This will be the second budget of the present Awami League-led grand alliance government after their assumption of power against a grim background in the country’s realpolitik.

According to sources concerned, a total of 15 bills will be placed in the House during this session. Besides, 270 questions have already been submitted for the Prime Minister’s question hours and 2,784 of ministers. Another bunch of 38 are call-attention notices.

The ruling-party members, however, are optimistic about the joining of the BNP lawmakers in the parliament session. Chief Whip Vice-principal Abdus Shahid told banglanews24.com.bd : ”There is no reason BNP should stay away from joining the parliament session.”

Meanwhile, BNP Chief Whip Zainal Abdin Farroque said that BNP’s joining in the budget session depends on the “activities of the ruling party”.

The fourth session of the present parliament that began on January 4 concluded on April 5. BNP walked out of the House on April 4, a day before the prorogation.

Earlier on 11 February, BNP had joined parliament following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s request at a function of army at Senakunja. But, the opposition staged walkout on several occasions over incendiary political issues.  Lastly, they walked out of the House on April 4.

BDST: 1400 Hrs, 1 June 2010
JI/MRH/LY/MUA