B Mirror Report:  Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today proposed the formation of a 10-member parliamentary committee comprising lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties to work together in the national interest to find a “reasonable solution” to the ongoing energy crisis in the country.

The proposal was placed in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) session held this afternoon, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in the chair.

The Prime Minister said the committee will consist of an equal number of five members from each side of the House. He announced the names of five treasury bench lawmakers and requested the opposition to nominate five members from their side.

He also stated that the proposed committee will be headed by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood.

The treasury bench members include State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, ABM Ashraf Uddin Nizan (Laxmipur-4), Moinul Islam Khan Shanto (Manikganj-2), and Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu (Shariatpur-3), along with the minister.

Tarique Rahman, also the BNP chairman, said that opposition proposals and suggestions will be conveyed to the government through the committee. “If there is anything realistic, the government will take steps to implement it,” he added.

He further noted that the energy crisis is a global issue affecting many countries, but stressed that the government remains open to dialogue in the interest of the people.

In response, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman welcomed the initiative and thanked the Prime Minister for taking a positive approach. He said the opposition would soon submit its nominated names.

“We hope the Jatiya Sangsad will become the centre for resolving national issues,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, during a parliamentary discussion on the energy situation, Dr Shafiqur Rahman had proposed joint discussions with the government, saying both sides could work together on constructive suggestions.