MPs across board voice alarm over fuel shortage, inflation

Lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches on Tuesday (7 April) raised concerns over the ongoing fuel crisis, rising inflation, and infrastructure gaps during a discussion on the president's address in Parliament.

Taking part in the discussion, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP Salah Uddin (Gazipur-4) shared his personal struggle with the fuel crisis, stating that he could not find fuel even after visiting eight different pumps.

"I had to leave my car and come to Parliament using local transport. Yet, the government claims there is no shortage of fuel," he said, highlighting discrepancies between official statements and the reality on the ground.

Salah Uddin also pointed out that despite gas pipelines passing through Kapasia, the local area lacks connections, hindering industrial growth and pushing unemployed youths towards drug addiction.

He further noted that 1,160km out of 1,742km of roads in his constituency remain unpaved, causing immense suffering during the monsoon.

The Jamaat MP also alleged that toll collection on the Shitalakshya Bridge continues even after recovering four times its construction cost.

BNP MP Mohammad Jalal Uddin (Chandpur-2) delivered a sharp critique of the country's economic state, asserting that inflation has hit a level where the common man's purchasing power is evaporating.

He alleged that the government had printed Tk60,000 crore in excess currency, which he claimed was a primary driver of the current inflation. "This has led to a trade deficit, increased import costs, and a threat to food security," he said, demanding that the officials responsible for this move be held legally accountable.

Jamaat MP GM Nazrul Islam (Satkhira-4) emphasised that the President should be a symbol of trust for all communities but alleged that the current head of state has historically aligned with specific power centres.

Regarding his constituency, he highlighted that 40% of the local population depends on the Sundarbans, and honey collectors (mouals) and fishermen frequently face threats from robbers.

He called for increased joint force operations during the honey harvesting season.

BNP MP Rafiqul Islam Jamal (Jhalakathi-1) raised the issue of recurring natural disasters like Aila and Sidr, noting that river erosion and salinity are destroying homes and livelihoods.

He called for a special project to prevent river erosion in Jhalakathi.

Other parliamentary highlights included Rajshahi-6 MP Abu Said Chand (BNP) requesting the Land Minister's intervention for 60,000-70,000 migrants from India who are unable to register their land.

He also proposed establishing an agricultural university and better preservation facilities for Rajshahi's mangoes.

Kamruzzaman Ratan (BNP) demanded an investigation into the "propaganda" against Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following a post-election murder incident.

SA Jinnah Kabir commented on the political history of the country, contrasting past "autocracies" with the leadership of the Zia family.

Other members, including Abdul Hannan, Nazrul Islam, Abdus Salam, and Abul Kalam, also participated in the discussion.