Dhaka: Two opposition lawmakers have urged Parliament to address the nation’s ongoing energy crisis, citing its significant impact on power generation, industries, and public life. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Jamaat lawmaker Nurul Islam submitted separate adjournment motions under Rule 62, seeking a comprehensive parliamentary discussion on the issue.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, who was presiding over the session, declined the adjournment notices under Rule 63. He suggested that the energy crisis could be discussed during the ongoing general discussion on the President’s speech, as the Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Minister had already addressed the issue under Rule 300.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging the Speaker to facilitate a thorough discussion. He expressed concern over the gap between government statements and the public’s experience of the crisis. Rahman criticized the decision to reject the adjournment motions, arguing that it denied justice to the pressing issue.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed acknowledged the importance of the energy crisis but supported the Deputy Speaker’s decision. He noted that adjournment motions are typically not accepted in parliamentary practice and that the current session had already set a precedent by allowing two such motions. Ahmed assured that the government had no fuel crisis and proposed a brief discussion under Rule 68.
In response, Shafiqur Rahman pointed to the virtual operation of courts as evidence of the crisis’s impact. Ultimately, the Deputy Speaker suggested holding a discussion without adjourning the House, which was accepted by Rahman, who promised to submit a fresh notice. The Deputy Speaker called for cooperation between treasury and opposition benches to address issues of national interest.