Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today proposed forming a high-level 10-member committee comprising members from both the government and the opposition to tackle the ongoing national and global energy crisis.
The prime minister made the proposal while speaking in an unscheduled discussion in parliament on Thursday, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair.
“I am putting forward this proposal from the government side in the parliamentary session,” the prime minister said. He stated that the objective of the committee would be to rise above party affiliations, formulate effective recommendations to solve the current problems, and assist the government in their implementation.
The decision came a day after the opposition leader raised concerns over the country’s current energy situation during Wednesday’s session.
“Honourable Speaker, we all agree that this is a global problem. Its impact has spread across the world. The concerns expressed by the opposition leader in his speech on Wednesday are logical,” the prime minister said.
“They had proposed that the government and opposition could work together. In that context, BNP has decided to engage in this discussion in the interest of the country.”
The prime minister has already announced five names from the government side. Energy Minister Iqbal Mohammad Tuku will serve as the committee’s president. The other members are State Minister Aninda Islam Amit, AB Mashrafuddin Nizan (MP from Lakshmipur-4), Moinul Islam Shanto (MP from Manikganj-2), and Mia Nuruddin Apu (MP from Shariatpur-3).
“Five names have been finalised from the government side. Now, if the opposition leader quickly provides five names from their side, this total 10-member committee will be able to start work immediately,” the prime minister said.
He added that whatever recommendations the committee makes through discussion, the government would certainly take steps to implement them if found realistic.
“The path to discussion with anyone has been kept open in the interest of the people of the country,” he said, requesting the opposition party through the speaker to submit their names quickly.
Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman welcomed the Prime Minister’s initiative and said, “We will soon propose five names.”
The committee is expected to begin its formal meetings once the list of names is received from the opposition party.
