MP Questions Alcohol Licence Requirement in Parliament

Independent Member of Parliament Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal has questioned the requirement for obtaining a licence to consume alcohol in Bangladesh, arguing that the regulation is difficult to understand and calling for a broader discussion on the country’s licensing framework related to alcohol consumption.

The lawmaker from Kishoreganj-5 raised the issue on Thursday while participating in the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year in the Jatiya Sangsad. His remarks sparked attention as he drew comparisons between alcohol licences and permits required for other everyday activities, including driving vehicles and operating businesses.

Speaking during the budget debate, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman criticised aspects of the existing system governing alcohol consumption and licensing. Referring to various licence requirements imposed under different laws, he remarked that driving a car requires a licence, riding a motorcycle requires a licence and even running a shop requires official authorisation. He then questioned why a licence is also necessary for consuming alcohol.

The MP said he found the regulation difficult to comprehend and wondered what legal rationale lay behind such a requirement. His comments appeared to reflect broader concerns about the practical implementation of alcohol-related regulations and how they affect citizens.

During his speech, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman also referred to the recent increase in alcohol prices, noting that some people had expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. In a light-hearted but pointed remark, he suggested that those who had been upset by the price rise should at least be able to obtain licences without unnecessary complications.

At the same time, the lawmaker urged policymakers and law enforcement agencies not to treat alcohol and illicit narcotics as identical issues. According to him, there is a tendency in some cases to place alcohol-related offences and drug-related crimes within the same framework, which can lead to complications and misunderstandings.

He alleged that law enforcement authorities occasionally use the discovery of a single bottle of alcohol as grounds for initiating legal cases against ordinary individuals, creating opportunities for harassment. Such practices, he argued, should be reviewed to ensure that enforcement remains fair and proportionate.

Beyond the issue of alcohol regulation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman used his budget speech to express concern over the country’s law and order situation. He stated that the current security environment remains less than satisfactory and stressed the need to strengthen the operational capacity of the police force.

The MP argued that many police stations across the country lack adequate vehicles and logistical resources required for effective patrol operations. As a result, maintaining regular surveillance and responding quickly to incidents can be challenging for officers in some areas.

He called on the government to increase budgetary allocations for law enforcement agencies and ensure that police personnel have access to the equipment and resources necessary to perform their duties efficiently. Strengthening patrol capabilities, he said, would contribute to improving public safety and enhancing confidence in law enforcement.

The remarks came during ongoing parliamentary discussions on the proposed national budget, where lawmakers from different political backgrounds have been highlighting a range of economic, social and administrative issues. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s intervention stood out for combining concerns over regulatory policies with broader questions about law enforcement effectiveness and public administration.

His comments are likely to add to ongoing discussions about alcohol regulation, policing and the balance between legal oversight and individual freedoms within Bangladesh’s evolving policy landscape.