The lawmakers alleged the dealers appointed during the previous Awami League government are involved in irregularities. They wanted to know whether the ministry would cancel these dealerships.

Speaker Jamiruddin Sircar, who was chairing the session, joined the lawmakers and told the industries minister that none of the upazilas of his Panchagarh district has got a single tonne of fertiliser so far.

He urged the minister to look into the matter and take necessary steps.

During the question-answer session, Jatiya Party (Ershad) lawmaker Hafizuddin Ahmed raised the issue of irregularities. BNP lawmakers Helaluzzaman Talukder Lalu and AKM Selim Reza Habib supported his allegation.

In reply, Nizami said it is not correct that all dealers were appointed during the Awami League government. Rather, every government had appointed some of the dealers.

He said a five-member committee has been formed to review the matter for ensuring smooth distribution of fertilisers in remote areas.

The committee will examine the appointment of dealers and file a report by the end of this month. Further steps would be taken on the basis of the report, he said.

POWER SITUATION
The speaker yesterday requested State Minister for Power Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity during the upcoming SSC examinations.

Earlier, a number of lawmakers, including Manzur Qader of BNP, expressed concern over the frequent load-shedding and apprehended that it might hamper the study of the students preparing for the exams.

In response, the state minister said he is helpless because there is a shortfall in power generation during every summer. He however assured the House that he would take special care during the SSC examinations.

The state minister said special arrangements have been taken for uninterrupted power supply in the rural areas to facilitate irrigation.

OBSCENE FILMS AND POSTERS
A number of lawmakers including Mashiur Rahman Ranga of Jatiya Party (Ershad) and MA Jinnah of BNP yesterday drew attention of the information minister about indecent Bangla films and posters.

In reply, Information Minister Shamsul Islam said legal actions have already been taken against a number of obscene films.

He said the government plans to take stern action against the people who produce obscene films and posters. "If necessary, a new law will be enacted to stop obscene films and posters," said the minister.

ANOTHER DULL DAY
The Jatiya Sangsad yesterday witnessed another dull day. The day's business began about 35 minutes behind the schedule. The session will resume at 4:30pm on Monday.