TDS Desk:

Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman has informed Parliament that the fuel rationing system will no longer apply to law enforcement and essential emergency services, following a government decision to prioritize operational readiness.

The announcement was made on Sunday during a parliamentary session in response to concerns raised by BNP lawmaker Manirul Haque Chowdhury regarding public safety and the effectiveness of police patrols.

“The embargo on police and other emergency agencies, such as ambulances and fire brigades, has already been removed. We made this decision two days ago,” the Prime Minister told the House, clarifying that the restriction is no longer in effect for these critical sectors.

The issue was brought to the floor by Chowdhury, representing the Cumilla-6 constituency, who highlighted a recent incident involving the killing of a young customs officer in his district.

He informed the Prime Minister that when he inquired about the local law enforcement situation on Saturday, police officials cited fuel shortages under the rationing system as a major obstacle to conducting night patrols.

Chowdhury warned that continuing the rationing for law enforcement could lead to a breakdown in law and order and jeopardize the safety of citizens.

He urged the government to act immediately to ensure that police mobility is not compromised.

In response, Tarique Rahman, who also serves as the Leader of the House, reassured lawmakers that the government had already anticipated and addressed these concerns.

He expressed confidence that with the lifting of the restrictions, emergency and security operations across the nation would return to their full capacity without further hindrance.