Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government will invite the opposition for talks on the country’s ongoing energy crisis, stressing that any practical and implementable proposals will be accepted in the interest of the people.
“As the Leader of the House, I would like to inform Parliament that we will certainly invite the opposition. From our side, we are ready to sit together, hold discussions and review their proposals. If any of their suggestions are realistic and can be implemented, we will certainly act on them,” he said.
The Leader of the House said regardless of whether the MPs sit on the treasury or opposition benches, they have all been sent by the people of Bangladesh to serve public interests.
“So, whatever discussions or actions best protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh, Inshallah, we will certainly do that,” he added.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while taking part in a discussion on a motion moved by Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman under Rule 68, seeking immediate, effective and visible steps to resolve the energy crisis and reduce public suffering.
Placing the motion, Shafiqur Rahman emphasised the urgency of easing public suffering, saying the opposition was ready to extend all possible cooperation to the government in this regard.
He said the current energy crisis is a global issue and not unique to Bangladesh.
Shafiqur Rahman noted that the mismatch between demand and supply has created the situation, affecting all sectors, including transport, industries, agriculture, mills and factories.
At the outset of his speech, the Prime Minister thanked the opposition leader and members of the opposition for raising what he described as a “highly important issue” for the country.
He said the current parliament stands on the sacrifices of many martyrs and reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh for a better future.
Tarique Rahman noted that while there may be differences of opinion among political parties, there is no disagreement when it comes to protecting national interests and public welfare.
He observed that the energy crisis is not unique to Bangladesh, but part of a broader global challenge, affecting countries and people around the world amid prevailing international realities.
“As political leaders, we may differ on many issues, but we are united when it comes to safeguarding the interests of the country and its people,” the Prime Minister said.
He also reiterated that his party remains open to discussions, proposals and constructive suggestions from any quarter if they serve the national interest.
A total of eight members from both treasury and opposition benches took part in the discussion on the motion.
While all agreed that the energy situation is an important issue, differences emerged over whether it should be described as a “severe crisis” or an “artificial crisis.”
State Minister for Power and Energy Aninda Islam Amit was the first to speak when he said global energy markets have been under pressure due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
He said when the current government took office on February 17, the country had only seven days of fuel reserves. However, through rapid procurement and supply management, fuel availability has now been secured until May, with preparations underway for June and July.
In the concluding speech, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said the situation is not a “crisis” but an “artificial line.”
He claimed that some individuals are creating queues at petrol pumps and diverting fuel to the informal market for profit, causing inconvenience to genuine consumers. “We are supplying as much fuel as needed,” he said, urging journalists to investigate whether the queues reflect real demand or manipulation for profit.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also said he does not consider the situation a crisis. He noted that despite price adjustments, economic activities such as agriculture, industry, education and trade have not been disrupted.
He acknowledged instances of black marketing, hoarding and smuggling attempts, but said law enforcement agencies have uncovered those.