Opposition Leader Proposes Load Shedding in Parliament Building for Equity

Opposition leader and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Shafiqur Rahman, has proposed bringing the national parliament complex under load shedding measures following a government announcement to experimentally introduce power cuts in Dhaka.

He made the proposal on Thursday during a parliamentary session after remarks by the State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources regarding planned load management in the capital.

Dr. Rahman argued that to ensure fairness, the parliament building should not remain outside such measures. He said that if electricity is suspended for a specific period in the parliament complex—similar to other areas of Dhaka—it would send a positive message to citizens that the government is committed to equitable policies.

When the Speaker raised concerns about disruptions to parliamentary proceedings, Rahman clarified that his proposal did not apply to ongoing sessions. Instead, he suggested that load shedding could be implemented during non-session hours, affecting administrative and auxiliary activities within the parliament complex.

He further stated that if such an initiative begins from parliament itself, it would demonstrate a genuine commitment to equality and help build public trust in the government’s policies.