Dhaka:The opposition has requested a parliamentary debate concerning the impending expiration of the water-sharing treaty with India, which is set to expire on December 12, 2026. The opposition is urging for measures that would ensure Bangladesh's national water security and protect its interests.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Jamaat MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, representing Dhaka-14, submitted the proposal under Rule 147 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. This proposal seeks a review of the situation and discussions on the necessary steps to safeguard the country's water interests. Additionally, Jamaat parliamentary party spokesperson Muhammad Nazibur Rahman proposed a general discussion under the same rule on the ongoing labor unrest, energy crisis, and other structural challenges facing the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector, along with strategies to unlock its potential.
Nazibur, who represents Pabna-1, communicated these proposals to the media on Monday. Should the proposals be accepted under Rule 147, they will be debated in Parliament, with the Speaker having the authority to set the duration of the discussions.
In parallel, Jamaat submitted two more proposals for discussion under Rule 68. Jamaat MP Md Shafiqul Islam from Patuakhali-2 called for immediate governmental action to tackle fertiliser shortages affecting farmers, addressing issues such as inflated prices on the black market, distribution irregularities, and alleged corruption in the appointment of fertiliser dealers. Additionally, Jamaat MP Md Mahbubul Alam from Kurigram-3 proposed a discussion on the government's failure to manage the abnormal price hikes of LPG and other fuels, including allegations of legal procedural failures in price setting and the sale of fuel above official rates.
Nazibur also announced plans to submit three more proposals under Rule 68. These include a discussion on the Prime Minister's visit to Japan and the Matarbari deep-sea port, proposed by Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Jamaat MP Mohammed Kamal Hossain from Dhaka-5 will address passenger harassment and mismanagement at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, while Mir Quasem will focus on the Rohingya crisis. If accepted under Rule 68, each proposal typically allows for a one-hour debate in Parliament.