The government is reviewing 101 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements signed with India during the ousted Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said on Friday.

“We are reviewing the agreements that mean 101 MoUs and you will get its (review) result soon,” he said.

The Chief Whip made the remarks replying to a question from reporters at a post-session press briefing at the Media Centre of the Jatiya Sangsad, following the third session of the 13th Parliament.

Moni said the government wants to maintain friendly relations with neighbouring India while giving the highest priority to Bangladesh’s national interests first.

Referring to arrangements involving Chattogram Port, Moni said the Awami League government had made agreements under which vessels belonging to a friendly country could allegedly receive preferential treatment over Bangladeshi vessels in case of unloading the vessels when both arrived at the port.

“They (AL government) signed 101 MoUs. You can write it down and take a note of it that the figure is 101 MoUs,” he said.  

Referring to a road constructed with a loan taken from them (India), the Chief Whip said Bangladesh was required to repay the loan with interest, though the vehicles of Bangladesh could not use the road.

“Such agreement was made and it remains implemented. We are trying to come out of such situations,” he said.

“We have no enemies. Everyone is our friend. But we want to ensure that protecting our national interests comes first,” he said.

Turning to the third session of the 13th Parliament, the Chief Whip said six bills were passed during the session that continued for nine working days.

A total of 1,678 questions from lawmakers were answered during the session, including 15 questions answered directly by the Prime Minister, he said.

Regarding the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill, Moni said the legislation ensures parents’ lifetime usufruct rights to enjoy the property even after transferring or gifting it to their children during their lifetime.

He said government lawmakers were saddened as opposition lawmakers walked out from the House in protest against the bill.

On the country’s electricity situation, Moni said construction of a new 500-megawatt power plant takes at least two to two-and-a-half years.

He alleged that the previous government spent huge amounts of money by paying capacity charges to various power plants even when electricity was not being generated.

The current government has scrapped the previous indemnity arrangements (law) in this regard (over quick rental power plants,) he said.