'Govt, opposition to form joint committee to address energy crisis'

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday announced the formation of a 10-member joint committee comprising members from both the government and the opposition to prepare recommendations for addressing the ongoing energy crisis.

He made the announcement during an unscheduled discussion in the Jatiya Sangsad, following a proposal raised by Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman a day earlier.

The prime minister said the government has already nominated five members, with Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud set to serve as the committee’s chairman. He requested the opposition to submit names of their five members so the committee can begin work promptly.

“The issue is a global crisis and its impact is being felt worldwide. Opposition leader has expressed concern and offered some suggestions. By working together, we can find effective solutions,” he said.

He added that BNP is always ready to engage in discussions in the interest of the country and its people. “We have formed a five-member committee from our side. I request the opposition to provide their names so that the 10-member body can sit together and deliberate on the matter,” he said.

Other members from the government side are State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, ABM Ashraf Uddin (Nizan), Moinul Islam Khan and Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu.

The prime minister said any recommendations from the committee would be considered seriously and implemented if found practical.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed later invited the opposition leader to speak. Welcoming the initiative, Shafiqul Rahman thanked the prime minister and termed the move a positive step.

“We hope this parliament will become the centre of resolving national issues. This is a new beginning for the House,” he said, adding that the opposition would soon submit the names of its nominees.

The speaker expressed hope that the opposition would provide the names shortly, noting that the current session is scheduled to end later this month.

He said the development has created optimism among the people and stressed that cooperation between the government and opposition could help resolve national challenges.

AM