PM orders ministers to be accountable, mandates regular briefings for MPs

Prime Minister and Leader of the Parliament Tarique Rahman has directed his cabinet members to uphold accountability in parliament by regularly sharing their actions and government initiatives with lawmakers.

As part of this directive, the energy minister has been instructed to present a detailed briefing in parliament on Sunday regarding the measures taken to manage the national fuel situation amidst the escalating Middle East crisis.

The instructions came during a meeting of the BNP parliamentary party held at the parliament complex on Saturday afternoon, following the Eid-ul-Fitr recess.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said the government is making "strenuous efforts" to keep fuel prices stable despite the global economic volatility caused by Middle Eastern conflicts.

"The government is providing a monthly subsidy of approximately Tk 2 billion to prevent a price hike," the chief whip said.

He noted that while prices have surged globally, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to coordinate with district and local administrations to ensure that no artificial price hikes or instability occur in their respective constituencies.

The meeting addressed reports of fuel being smuggled across borders due to lower prices in Bangladesh compared with neighbouring countries.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed was instructed to take "stern action" to curb cross-border trafficking.

The chief whip also slated “hoarding” by some consumers.

"Where 30 litres are needed, people are trying to fill 50-litre tanks. Some are returning to pumps three times a day to stockpile," he said, adding that the government is monitoring those creating artificial crises.

One tanker carrying 200,000 tonnes of fuel has already docked, while another 200,000-tonne vessel has been loaded and is en route to Bangladesh, he said.

Tarique has mandated that ministers must keep MPs informed so they can speak accurately in parliament and take effective steps in their home districts.

The chief whip said such briefing sessions would now be held once a month to discuss government performance and future goals.

The parliamentary party is scheduled to meet again at 1:30pm on Sunday for a further briefing before the parliament session begins on the day.