No fuel oil outside, only in Parliament

Jamaat-e-Islami MP Kamal Hossain of Dhaka-5 has triggered strong reactions in Parliament after making a series of remarks on fuel shortages, public grievances, and constitutional reforms during a discussion on the vote of thanks to the President’s speech.

The lawmaker said he was unable to obtain fuel for his vehicle despite waiting in a queue on the road for around two hours until 2am. Speaking in a lighter tone, he remarked that fuel appeared to be available “only in Parliament,” adding that outside supply was becoming increasingly difficult.

He also drew parallels with Ramadan routines, claiming that due to a gas shortage, residents in his area were “having to eat sehri all the time,” as disrupted gas supply forces people to cook and eat late at night.

Raising local development issues, Kamal Hossain said Jatrabari had seen no major development in over five decades. He alleged that poor infrastructure, ageing gas pipelines, and irregular supply have worsened daily life in the area.

The MP further accused local authorities of leasing walkways and roads, leading to extortion and severe traffic congestion. He also claimed that drugs, extortion, and criminal activity were major barriers to development.

Referring to political history, he said he had been imprisoned multiple times for protesting injustice and reiterated his opposition to what he termed “fascism.”

He also expressed support for a referendum, claiming it was first introduced in Bangladesh in 1977 and later incorporated into the constitution in 1978.

On constitutional issues, he warned that if reforms are not implemented, parliament could face dissolution within a stipulated timeframe, arguing that structural changes are necessary beyond simple amendments.

His remarks drew attention and debate in the House during the ongoing parliamentary session.