Parliamentary committees, key bills to get priority in third session

The formation of parliamentary committees and the passage of key bills will receive top priority in the third session of Bangladesh’s parliament, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media at Parliament on Wednesday, Moni said the session, beginning Thursday, could last five, seven or 10 days, but its duration may be extended if necessary. Parliamentary committees will be finalised as soon as the opposition submits the names of its members.

Around six important bills may be placed before the House, including proposed legislation on property transfers, enforced disappearances and human rights protection.

On the proposed property transfer law, Moni said parents who transfer property to their children would retain the right to use and enjoy the property during their lifetime. The measure is intended to prevent children from neglecting their parents after receiving property.

On the July Charter and constitutional reform, Moni said necessary laws would be enacted or amended in line with national interests. He said even changes to a comma, full stop or semicolon in the Constitution could be considered part of constitutional reform.

He said a 17-member committee has been proposed for constitutional amendments, with seven members from the BNP and five from Jamaat. Representatives of smaller parties would also be included, while opposition members would be added once their names are submitted.

Regarding the opposition’s role, Moni said it should point out government shortcomings, ensure accountability and raise demands for necessary reforms through Parliament rather than creating instability outside it.

He said the government also needed time to address longstanding problems, noting that it was only six months old. Large infrastructure projects such as power plants, he said, require years to complete.

Moni also criticised power-sector agreements signed under the previous government, alleging that they had created long-term financial burdens for Bangladesh. He described the power agreement with Adani as a “grave offence” and said Bangladesh was being forced to purchase electricity at high prices.

He called for cooperation from all sides to reduce the economic burden of such agreements and said the third parliamentary session would help strengthen legislative activity, committee effectiveness and government accountability.

sks