Opposition lawmakers protest Shama Obaed's ‘no energy crisis’ remark in Parliament

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam faced pointed criticism and laughter from opposition lawmakers Monday after declaring in Parliament that Bangladesh is not experiencing an energy crisis.

The confrontation occurred during the question-answer session when Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Mir Ahmad Binquasem, representing Dhaka-14, raised a supplementary question highlighting that three people have died in disputes related to fuel purchases across the country.

Binquasem questioned what role the Prime Minister has played in addressing the situation and criticized the Foreign Minister for traveling internationally while the energy situation remains unstable. 

He questioned what contribution the Foreign Minister is making toward resolving fuel supply challenges.

When State Minister Shama Obaed responded by stating that Bangladesh currently faces no energy crisis, opposition bench members reacted with desk-thumping and laughter, expressing visible disbelief at her assessment.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, presiding over the session, requested opposition parliamentarians to maintain calm and allowed the state minister to continue her remarks.

Shama Obaed explained that the Prime Minister has convened multiple meetings to ensure energy supplies from alternative sources. 

She stated the government is actively working to diversify import channels beyond Middle East suppliers and exploring various supply routes to maintain fuel availability.