STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad yesterday reiterated his demand that cabinet members attend parliamentary sessions regularly, saying no state work takes precedence over the chamber’s proceedings.
The remarks came in response to Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman, who flagged the absence of ministers when matters related to their portfolios are under discussion.
The Speaker noted that the matter had been raised the previous day, when the chief whip cited ministers’ state duties.
He directed the chief whip to convey to ministers that they should attend sessions punctually, particularly during budget discussions when MPs address their departmental activities.
The speaker also addressed parliamentary decorum, agreeing with the opposition leader’s complaint about side conversations disrupting proceedings.
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the “Gambling Prevention Bill” in parliament yesterday to curb gambling and online betting -- including sports and casino betting.
The bill wasintroduced to repeal the 1867 “Public Gambling Act”.
The proposed law defines 24 categories of gambling-related activities -- including online and remote gambling, betting, bookmaking, match fixing, and spot fixing -- and prescribes 14 types of punishments (fines, imprisonment, or both) depending on the nature of the offence.
The bill was later referred to the Parliamentary
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Dhaka to get 445 quake-safe shelters: minister
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu MP has said the government plans to establish 445 safe shelters for earthquakes in Dhaka.
As part of urban disaster preparedness, Dhaka South City Corporation has identified 256 shelters and Dhaka North City Corporation 189, bringing the total to 445. A letter has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office to formally declare them as earthquake-safe shelters.
Responding to a question from Selimuzzaman Mollah during yesterday’s parliament session, the minister said a coordinated volunteer database is being prepared with a target of 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka and nearby areas, using data from government and non-government organisations.
He said monitoring and early warning systems for earthquakes and tsunamis have been strengthened through coordination among the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Geological Survey Department, and other agencies.
He also said enforcement of the Bangladesh National Building Code is being emphasised to ensure earthquake-resilient infrastructure.