Hasnat requests cars for lawmakers after announcement of MP offices

The government has decided to provide an office for each member of parliament on the second floor of every Upazila Parishad building, announced in parliament today.

“In response to demands from MPs, the prime minister has approved to establish a furnished office room, including a bathroom, on the second floor of every Upazila Parishad building,” Local Government State Minister Shahe Alam said during an unscheduled discussion in parliament. 

He said a government order had been issued, directing that one office room be constructed in each Upazila Parishad complex for MPs. Work would begin soon.

Immediately after the announcement, Cumilla-4 MP and NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah stood up in parliament and requested that transport facilities should also be arranged for lawmakers.

Thanking the government for the announcement, the opposition lawmaker said, “The government has arranged seating for us. If transport is also provided, it will help us reach the people more easily,”.

He mentioned that UNOs and Upazila Chairmen have official vehicles, while MPs have to hire cars.

In response, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that when the prime minister was elected leader of the House, he had instructed MPs not to take additional privileges beyond public expectations.

However, he said the issue of transport for MPs could be discussed separately between the treasury and opposition benches, and requested the prime minister to consider a solution.

Opposition leader Shafiqul Rahman supported the proposal. However, Jamaat-e-Islami’s election manifesto had pledged not to accept tax-free vehicles.