Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today informed the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that the fuel oil rationing for police and other emergency services has already been withdrawn. ‘We have already addressed the issue raised by a member of the parliament. For the emergency forces, including police, ambulances or fire brigades, the embargo has already been removed,’ he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Leader of the House made this statement in response to a point of order raised by treasury bench lawmaker from Cumilla-6 constituency, Manirul Haque Chowdhury. Chowdhury had expressed concerns that police patrols during nights had been reduced due to fuel rationing, leading to an increase in criminal activities and a disruption of public safety.
The Prime Minister further clarified, ‘We made the decision two days ago and also cleared it two days ago,’ expressing hope that there would be no further issues regarding the matter. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram.
Tarique Rahman, who is also the ruling BNP chairman, took the floor following Manirul’s urging for the immediate withdrawal of the fuel oil rationing system for law enforcement agencies. Manirul highlighted that a young customs officer was recently killed in Cumilla, and when questioned about law and order maintenance, the police had cited fuel shortages as a reason for hampered night patrol operations.