PM push for joint committee prioritises people over politics

The announcement by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to form a bipartisan parliamentary committee on the country’s energy crisis offers a rare and timely opportunity for constructive political engagement.

At a moment when citizens are grappling with rising costs and unreliable energy supply, cooperation between the government and the opposition is not merely desirable – it is essential.

The proposed 10-member committee, with equal representation from both sides of the aisle, reflects an acknowledgement that national crises cannot be resolved through partisan approaches alone.

The willingness of Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman to endorse the initiative and promptly nominate members is equally significant, reported The New Nation on Friday.

It signals a political culture that may be shifting – albeit cautiously – towards dialogue rather than confrontation.

For too long, Bangladesh’s parliamentary politics has been marked by mistrust, walkouts, and missed opportunities for consensus.

The Jatiya Sangsad must function as more than a platform for political contestation; it should serve as the central institution for resolving national challenges.

The current initiative, if pursued sincerely, can help restore that role.

Energy security is a complex issue, shaped by global market volatility as well as domestic policy gaps.

A joint committee can bring diverse perspectives, scrutinise policy decisions, and recommend practical solutions grounded in reality.

However, its success will depend not on its formation, but on its effectiveness.

Token gestures or attempts to score political points will only deepen public cynicism.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed rightly noted that public expectations have been raised.

Citizens now expect results – deliberations must translate into actionable recommendations that ease hardship and stabilise the energy sector.

More broadly, this initiative should not remain an isolated development.

Bangladesh faces multiple structural challenges – from inflation to infrastructure and governance – which require sustained bipartisan engagement.

A functioning democracy is not defined solely by elections, but by the ability of elected representatives to work together in the public interest.

If both the government and the opposition seize this moment, it could mark the beginning of a more mature political culture – one where disagreement does not preclude cooperation.

Such an approach is vital not only for overcoming the current crisis but also for ensuring that the country’s development trajectory continues uninterrupted.
The nation will be watching closely.