Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on opposition parties to submit an effective plan to resolve Bangladesh’s gas and electricity shortages within the next six months. He said the government would accept such a proposal if it proved workable. Rahman made the remarks on Saturday at the T&T Colony field in Banani, in the capital.

He was speaking as chief guest at an event providing financial assistance to poor and vulnerable people to mark the 82nd birth anniversary of late former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Rahman said the government was working to address power and gas problems and would positively consider implementing any effective opposition proposal.

Criticising the Awami League government, Rahman said the previous “fascist” government had left the country’s health system weakened. He said this had forced people to seek medical care in a particular country. Addressing Jamaat, he noted that the national parliament session would begin on August 27 and urged opposition parties to present any sound plans there. He said the government would implement good proposals submitted in parliament.