Fuel Crisis: Opposition Seeks Discussion in Parliament

Bangla Press Desk: Members of Parliament from opposition parties have called for an urgent parliamentary debate on the country’s worsening fuel and gas shortages, warning that official claims about the situation bear little resemblance to the reality faced by ordinary citizens.

Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman voiced strong frustration in the Jatiya Sangsad on Monday, describing the energy crisis as “the most burning issue” confronting the country. He submitted an adjournment motion seeking a dedicated discussion on the matter during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Kaiser Kamal.

Opening his remarks, Rahman said the public expected parliament to address the crisis head-on. “This is now the country’s biggest problem. Yet we are unable to discuss it here—should that not concern us?” he asked, pointing to what he described as a growing disconnect between official narratives and lived experience.

He said he had personally attempted to gauge conditions beyond media reports and social platforms, and found widespread dissatisfaction among citizens. “People are struggling, and their frustration is visible,” he said.

Rahman also criticised lawmakers for failing to raise the issue more forcefully, arguing that parliament exists to represent public concerns. “Every second of this parliament is funded by taxpayers. We are not here for ourselves; we have been sent here by the people. If we cannot speak for them in a time of such hardship, then what is the purpose of our presence?” he said.

The opposition leader took aim at government data on fuel availability, saying it did not match conditions on the ground. “Inside parliament, we are told there is no shortage of oil. Outside, people are scrambling for fuel,” he said. As evidence of the strain, he pointed to the decision to allow virtual proceedings in sensitive institutions such as the high court, suggesting such measures would not be necessary in the absence of a genuine crisis.

While acknowledging that global factors – including conflict-driven disruptions – were partly to blame, Rahman said the opposition had repeatedly offered to contribute constructively. “We understand this is a global matter. We want to help ease the situation. But if all responsibility is monopolised by the government, how are we, as elected representatives, to fulfil our duty?” he asked.

Calling on the speaker to intervene, he urged that time be allocated for a substantive debate in the presence of the leader of the house. “The entire economy depends on energy. Fuel is its raw material. This cannot be dealt with superficially,” he said, warning that failure to address the crisis transparently could deepen public hardship and erode confidence in state institutions.