Prime minister Tarique Rahman has announced plans to form a 10-member joint committee comprising members of both the government and the opposition to recommend solutions to the country’s ongoing energy crisis.
Speaking during an unscheduled discussion in Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday, the leader of the House requested the opposition bench to nominate five representatives to join five members already selected from the treasury bench.
The move followed a proposal raised on Wednesday during the 19th sitting of the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad by opposition leader Shafikur Rahman, who called for a joint effort to address the fuel crisis, which has been exacerbated by global tensions, including the US–Iran conflict.
In response, the prime minister announced the names of five ruling party lawmakers for the proposed committee, led by energy minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood Tuku, who has been nominated as chair.
The other members from the treasury bench are state minister for power and energy Anindya Islam Amit, along with ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan, Moinul Islam Khan, and Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu.
The PM urged the opposition to submit their nominees promptly so the committee can begin work without delay.
Addressing the House, the PM described the fuel crisis as a global challenge affecting countries worldwide.
He said both sides had agreed on the need for cooperation and noted that the opposition had indicated it had proposals to contribute.
He emphasised that his party remains open to dialogue in the national interest and is prepared to work jointly to identify practical solutions.
Responding to the proposal, opposition leader Shafikur Rahman welcomed the move and said the opposition would soon provide the names of their representatives.
He expressed hope that JS would become the central forum for resolving national issues and described the initiative as a positive step forward.
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed also voiced hope that the opposition would submit its nominations quickly, noting that the current parliamentary session is due to conclude by the end of the month.
