Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad cautioned the power, energy and mineral resources minister, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, on Sunday to thoroughly assess all relevant factors before making commitments in the Jatiya Sangsad.

The speaker’s remarks followed a missed deadline regarding the supply of gas to the Ashuganj Fertiliser Factory.

During the second session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana raised a supplementary question, noting that the minister had previously pledged to ensure gas supply to the factory by May 1.

Farhana pointed out that more than a month had passed since the promised date without the supply being restored and requested a specific timeline for when the plant would receive gas.

In response, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood attributed the delay to the country’s gas shortage, explaining that the government is currently prioritising gas supply to power plants over fertiliser production.

The minister stated that, as no drilling activities had been conducted over the previous 17 years, the current government has initiated new drilling operations for the first time.

He expressed optimism that supply to factories like Ashuganj would resume once domestic production improves.

Following the explanation, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad reminded the minister of his earlier pledge.

The speaker urged all ministers to exercise greater caution, stating that any commitment made in parliament should be based on a proper study of drilling activities and all other relevant matters before being announced to the house.