B Mirror Report: Parliament has passed two amendment bills removing the age limits for the chairman and members of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), sparking debate between the government and opposition.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Bill and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill in the House on Thursday. Both were passed by voice vote.

Except for independent MP Rumin Farhana, no lawmaker submitted written proposals to send the bills to a public review committee or proposed amendments, limiting formal discussion. However, several opposition members expressed interest in taking part in the debate.

Opposition leader Shafiqul Rahman criticized the process, saying the bills were not given sufficient time for review and should have been deferred. Speaker Kaiser Kamal said the bills followed due procedure and had been presented in line with parliamentary rules.

NCP lawmaker Akhtar Hossain questioned whether removing the age limits was intended for specific individuals or a broader policy decision, warning it could conflict with merit-based appointments.

The finance minister said the move reflects increased life expectancy in Bangladesh and aligns with global practices where such roles often have no age limits. He added that the change aims to ensure experienced and qualified individuals can serve.

Opposition members also raised concerns over recent appointments, including that of the central bank governor, but the finance minister defended the appointment as non-political and satisfactory.

Under the new law, the previous age limits 65 for BSEC officials and 67 for IDRA officials have been removed, allowing appointments without any upper age restriction.