Opposition MPs blast ruling party over price hike of essentials in parliament

Opposition Jatiya Party, BNP MPs and ruling Awami League MPs today locked in debate in the Jatiya Sangsad over price hike of essentials and deterioration of law and order situation in the country.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu first launched the blistering attack on the government by saying that he regularly goes to the market and that the prices of goods have gone up a lot.

"The government's initiative is not working. I don't think the government has any control on the market," Chunnu said, speaking on a point of order.

Later speaking on point of order, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, BNP joint secretary general Harunur Rashid and BNP reserved seat MP Rumeen Farhana also criticized the government for deterioration of law and order situation, high price of essentials and widespread corruption in the country.

In response, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said the prices of various items, including soybean oil and onions, have started falling down following the government's move.

He said, the Jatiya Party Secretary General has claimed that he goes to market. But he actually does not go to market and that he is giving false statements in parliament over the price hike of daily commodities.

In his speech, Chunnu said, the food minister claimed that the highest ever food - about 2 million tons is stored in the warehouse. "Then what is the reason for the increase in the price of rice?"

"When I go to the market, it seems to me that there is no government in the country. I don't think there is any kind of government control," he added.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present at the meeting.

Earlier in the afternoon, the House went into its 17th session with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury in the chair.