Chief Whip reports water shortage at Parliament complex

Chief Whip Nurul Islam has reported an acute water shortage at the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) complex, stating that the situation has worsened over the past few days.

Speaking to reporters after a parliamentary committee meeting on Monday, Nurul Islam, who also serves as the committee’s chairman, said, “The water problem is severe.

Over the last two to three days, we have received muddy water. I myself have suffered from stomach illness due to this.” He noted that while the daily requirement of water in the area is around 10 million litres, only 2.7 million litres are currently being produced, leading to a significant deficit. “We will raise the issue with the government to ensure a proper solution,” he added, reports UNB.

The meeting, presided over by Nurul Islam Monir, was attended by committee members including Rakibul Islam, Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu, Mohammad Kaysar Ahmed, Md Shahidul Islam, Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, S M Jahangir Hossain, Md Ali Ullah, Md Saiful Alam, and Md Abul Hasnat.

The Chief Whip also said that residential allocations for Members of Parliament (MPs) would be completed by 10 April.

“There is a lack of necessary items. Some facilities were built in 2000 and have since deteriorated. We have undertaken repairs. MPs will be able to move into their residences very soon,” he assured.
Discussions were also held regarding healthcare facilities at Parliament. The committee has recommended the procurement of an ICU-equipped ambulance and a refrigerated vehicle for transporting bodies.
Highlighting ongoing technical issues, Nurul Islam said the sound system in the parliamentary chamber remains non-functional.
“We are trying to repair the existing system. If that fails, a new one will be installed,” he said, adding that an investigation committee formed to probe the issue is expected to submit its report by 2 April.
Responding to opposition MPs’ complaints about limited speaking time, he dismissed the claims as inaccurate.
“Opposition members are generally given the opportunity to speak, particularly during discussions on bills and the budget. Only the discussion on the President’s speech has been equally allocated, and they decide among themselves how to use their time,” he explained.
According to a press release from the Parliament Secretariat, two subcommittees have been formed. Rakibul Islam will lead a team to identify faults in the sound system, while Nayab Yusuf Ahmed will head another to assess the quality of food in the Parliament canteen, examine water quality, and evaluate the standard of furniture used in MPs’ residences.
The meeting also stressed the need for vigilance in procurement to avoid irregularities similar to past controversies involving overpriced items such as pillows, curtains, and other goods. Ensuring quality and reasonable pricing in all purchases was emphasised.