Dhaka: Jatiya Sangsad Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni announced today that all proposals signed in the July Charter will be implemented, with necessary constitutional amendments made wherever required. "Our position on the July Charter is absolutely clear. We will implement everything that has been signed," he affirmed at a press briefing following the third session of the Jatiya Sangsad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Whip emphasized the government's intention to collaborate with the opposition to implement the Charter and urged all parties to unite in amending the Constitution where necessary. The third session lasted nine working days from August 27 to September 10, during which six bills were introduced and passed. Out of 144 questions directed to the Prime Minister, he answered 15, while ministers addressed 1,678 of 2,676 questions.
Highlighting a law concerning the transfer of property and lifetime usufruct rights, he pointed out that it would protect elderly parents by allowing them to retain the right to use transferred property during their lifetime. The Chief Whip also discussed laws on enforced disappearances and human rights, noting that opinions from ambassadors, stakeholders, lawyers, judges, and journalists were considered before their enactment.
Addressing the electricity and gas crisis, he stated that immediate solutions were not feasible through demonstrations or long marches, mentioning that building a power plant requires at least two to three years. He added that the government is reviewing power-sector agreements and capacity charges inherited from the previous administration.
Regarding financial management, the Chief Whip noted that the government had repaid around $205 crore in loans left by the previous government during its first five months in office. He mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman prioritizes preventing wastage in government expenditure.
On agriculture, he highlighted early initiatives such as agricultural loans and farmer cards to support farmers. He claimed the country currently has an additional 16 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizer in stock, while acknowledging some management shortcomings.
The Chief Whip revealed that the government is reviewing 101 memorandums of understanding with foreign countries, prioritizing Bangladesh's national interests, including their financial implications. He also mentioned the inclusion of three opposition members in each of the 22 out of 39 ministry-related standing committees, while two opposition members have been included in the remaining committees. Opposition lawmaker Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has been appointed chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
He stated that relations between the government and opposition in Parliament have improved. Urging journalists to report objectively, he emphasized that the government's mistakes should be highlighted alongside its achievements. The Chief Whip concluded by saying that the government, despite having a parliamentary majority, seeks to move the country forward with everyone's cooperation, including the opposition, to protect independence and sovereignty, strengthen democracy, and improve people's quality of life.