Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal on Monday questioned why it took four months for the government to place the Bogura Development Authority Bill, 2026, in Parliament after its approval by the Cabinet.
Raising the issue while Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher was seeking permission to introduce the bill, the Deputy Speaker said it had been approved by the Cabinet on July 23.
He expressed concern that the executive had failed to send the bill to the legislature in a timely manner, depriving lawmakers of sufficient time to examine proposed legislation before it was tabled.
“Why did it take so long for the executive to send this bill, forcing me to exercise my prerogative? I am granting permission, but I would urge you to be more careful in future,” he told the minister.
Kaysar Kamal said the Cabinet Division should not take three to four months to forward a Cabinet-approved bill to Parliament.
“Empower the legislature; do not ignore it,” he said, urging the government to ensure that lawmakers receive bills in sufficient time for scrutiny.
The minister subsequently introduced the Bogura Development Authority Bill, 2026, aimed at establishing a development authority for the northern district.
The bill was then referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, which was asked to submit its report within three days.
According to the proposed legislation, the government will establish an authority named the Bogura Development Authority through a gazette notification after the bill becomes law.
The authority's jurisdiction will cover areas under Bogura City Corporation as well as adjoining areas that the government may specify through a gazette notification.
The authority will be responsible for preparing master plans, strategic plans and detailed area plans to ensure the rational use of land.
It will also be empowered to conduct land surveys and studies, undertake research, collect and preserve relevant data and implement development plans. In addition, it will be able to undertake projects for the redevelopment and rearrangement of land in areas with unplanned and narrow roads.
In the statement of objects and reasons, the minister said establishing the authority was necessary to ensure planned urbanisation, integrated infrastructure development, expansion of modern civic amenities and long-term sustainable development in Bogura city and its adjoining areas.
He described Bogura as an important northern city with a strong base of small and medium-sized industries.
The proposed authority will be established along the lines of the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Chattogram Development Authority, Khulna Development Authority and Rajshahi Development Authority.
Three ordinances placed in Parliament
Meanwhile, three ordinances promulgated before the beginning of the current parliamentary session were placed before the House at its first sitting on Sunday.
The ordinances are the Public Procurement (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, and the Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance, 2026.
Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman placed the ordinances in Parliament.