Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Md Abul Hasnat, known as Hasnat Abdullah, has called for the provision of vehicles for Members of Parliament (MPs) to improve communication with constituents in their respective areas.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Hasnat Abdullah raised the issue in Parliament after the State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Mir Shahe Alam, announced that Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) have been directed to prepare 'visiting rooms' for MPs in all Upazila Parishads. Hasnat Abdullah, who represents Cumilla-4, emphasized that having a designated place to meet constituents is beneficial, but access to vehicles would further enhance MPs' ability to engage with the public.
Despite typically opposing government initiatives, Hasnat Abdullah expressed gratitude for the new seating arrangements. He highlighted the disparity between official transportation provided to UNOs and Upazila Parishad chairmen and the reliance of MPs on rented vehicles, which they find uncomfortable to disclose.
In response to the proposal, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed noted that while the directive from the Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman currently prohibits tax-free vehicle facilities for MPs, he would raise the issue with the Prime Minister for reconsideration. The Prime Minister has previously stated that MPs should not receive special privileges beyond public expectations, and any changes would require amending existing legislation.
The demand for vehicles received support from opposition lawmakers, who applauded the proposal. The Home Minister acknowledged the potential for further discussion on the matter, suggesting that a balanced approach between the ruling party and opposition could lead to a suitable resolution.
Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman commended the treasury bench for acknowledging the demand and considering its implementation. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury reiterated the opposition's stance against accepting tax-free vehicles or government plots, expressing optimism for a consensus decision within the House.