Rumeen Farhana tells parliament the reality at filling stations exposes a mismatch with the govt’s public stance

TDS Desk:

Rumeen Farhana today slammed the government over its stance on the fuel situation.

Addressing the parliament, the Brahmanbaria-2 lawmaker questioned, “If there is no fuel crisis, then why are there such long lines in front of filling stations?”

During a discussion in parliament under Rule 71 on urgent public importance, she stressed why fuel prices had to be raised and why office hours and programme schedules had to change.

“We’re seeing long queues stretching for kilometres. Drivers waiting (in queues) until midnight, unable to get fuel. Yet, the government shows no concern,” Rumeen said.

She added that ministers often claim in the parliament that there is no fuel shortage in Bangladesh, but when people go to buy fuel, they face 3 km long lines.

Addressing the speaker, she said, “Through you, I want to ask this parliament: when energy ministers speak to the media, they make it seem as though there is no crisis in Bangladesh. Why don’t they clearly say how many days’ worth of octane and diesel reserves the country has, how long those stocks will last, and why fuel stations are not receiving adequate supplies?”

Rumeen, a former BNP MP and now an independent lawmaker, faced objections from ruling party MPs during her speech.

Some ruling party MPs were seen waving their hands and after her remarks, they created an uproar. The speaker then urged MPs to maintain discipline in the House.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman criticised “certain gestures” made by some treasury bench members while Rumeen was speaking.

Shafiqur said, “This parliament is the highest place of honour in the country. Those elected here have come with the support, votes, love, and respect of the people. We must respect all members. When a member speaks, only the speaker has the authority to allow or control it.”

“Today I noticed that when an independent MP was speaking, unfortunately some treasury bench members made gestures that hurt my conscience. I did not expect this,” he added.

He further said that even some MPs who have been elected four or five times engaged in such behaviour.

Earlier, Gazipur-4 MP Salahuddin Aiyubi said that in his constituency, Kapasia, load-shedding lasts 10-12 hours. Medical services were severely disrupted, irrigation systems collapsed, and SSC examinees were suffering.