Speaker urges energy minister to study issues before making commitments in parliament
He also advised ministers to review all related issues carefully before making commitments in parliament
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed today (7 June) cautioned Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood over failing to fulfil a commitment made in parliament regarding gas supply to Ashuganj Fertiliser Factory.
The speaker also advised him to thoroughly review all relevant issues before making promises in the House.
He made the remarks after the minister's reply to a supplementary question from Brahmanbaria-2 lawmaker Rumeen Farhana over the gas supply situation at the fertiliser factory.
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During today's parliamentary session, Rumeen reminded the minister of an earlier assurance he had made in parliament.
"The minister had promised me in this House that gas supply to the Ashuganj Fertiliser Factory would resume by 1 May. More than a month has passed since then, but the factory is still not receiving gas," she said.
The lawmaker then sought a specific timeline for when the factory would receive gas.
In response, Minister Iqbal cited the country's gas shortage and said priority was currently being given to power plants over fertiliser factories.
"She wants electricity and also wants gas supplied to the fertiliser factory. But gas has its limitations," the minister said, adding, "We have to keep the power plants running, and that is why we are unable to provide gas connection there at this moment."
The minister also said no drilling activities had taken place over the past 17 years.
"We have started drilling for the first time after coming to office, and we hope, InshaAllah, to find gas. Once we get gas, we will be able to supply factories like Ashuganj Fertiliser Factory," he added.
Following the minister's remarks, Speaker Hafiz reminded him of his earlier commitment in parliament.
"Honourable minister, you had said in parliament that gas would be supplied from the first day of the month. That apparently did not happen," the speaker said.
Urging ministers to act more responsibly while making commitments in parliament, he added, "Before making any promise in parliament, you should study all related matters such as drilling and other relevant issues."
