Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-2 Rumeen Farhana has accused the government of lying to the people over the fuel crisis, expressing strong anger and dissatisfaction during a parliamentary session on Sunday.
Speaking on a point of order, the independent MP said the government repeatedly claims there is no fuel shortage, but the reality is completely different.
“Three-kilometre-long queues for oil are visible on the roads every day. Drivers are not getting oil even after waiting until midnight. If the government has no crisis, then why these long queues? Why are they having to increase oil prices?” she asked.
Criticising the government’s decision to close marketplaces at 7pm instead of 8pm to save fuel, Rumeen Farhana called the move short-sighted.
“People usually shop after evening. There are also questions about the decision to change office and court hours,” she said.
Questioning the truth of ministers’ media claims that there is no crisis, the MP demanded to know how many days’ worth of actual reserves of octane and diesel the country currently has.
“Why are pumps not being supplied with adequate oil? Who is hoarding oil, and who is involved behind it? That must be clarified,” she said.
Shafiqur condemns conduct during speech
However, during Rumeen Farhana’s speech, commotion erupted from the government side and her microphone was turned off. She, however, continued speaking.
Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman then stood on a point of order, protesting the turning off of the microphone while an independent MP was speaking.
“Moreover, many government MPs made various ‘gestures’ while the independent MP was speaking,” he said, expressing protest and condemnation. “I did not expect such behaviour from members who have been elected four or five times. On the very first day, we said that a good culture should be practised here. But despite repeated reminders, such behaviour is unfortunate, and I strongly condemn it.”
He further added, “The speaker’s decision is final regarding speaking in parliament. However, the discrimination in getting opportunities to speak is a matter of concern.”
Following the opposition leader’s remarks, the speaker requested everyone to maintain parliamentary decorum and ensure an environment for discussion according to the Rules of Procedure.
Meanwhile, Chief Whip Nurul Islam emphasised giving opportunities to new members, saying, “There are 220 new members in parliament. They want to speak about their constituencies and important issues of the country. But while some are getting opportunities repeatedly, others are not getting a chance to speak even once.”
Drawing the speaker’s attention, the chief whip said, “Whoever submits a notice first should get priority according to seriality. If this matter is followed for a few days, then new members will also get the opportunity to speak.”
