I don't know which country's law requires a license to drink alcohol: MP Iqbal

Member of Parliament from the Kishoreganj-5 constituency, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal, has raised questions in the National Parliament regarding the mandatory requirement of obtaining a license for drinking alcohol. He commented that while there is a clear justification for requiring a license to drive a car or operate a business, the reason for having the same rule for drinking alcohol is not clear to him.

He made these remarks while participating in the general discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the National Parliament on Thursday.

Criticizing the narcotics control and alcohol licensing system, he said, "A license is required to drive a car, a license is required to ride a motorcycle, and even a license is required to run a shop. But now I hear that a license is also required to drink alcohol. I do not know which country's law this is."

Referring to the potential distress or anger among many over the increasing prices of alcohol, he jokingly added, "An arrangement for a license could also be made for those who are hurt by this."

In addition, he urged not to conflate alcohol with narcotics, stating, "Often, if the police find a single bottle of alcohol with someone, they file a case and harass ordinary people, which needs to stop."

During the discussion, the Member of Parliament also expressed concern over the law and order situation. He stated that the overall law and order situation in the country is not satisfactory, and it is urgent to enhance the capacity of the police to bring the situation under control.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal mentioned that many police stations lack adequate vehicles for patrolling, making it difficult for the police to conduct regular patrol duties. He called for increasing the budget allocation for the police department and supplying the necessary equipment to overcome this crisis.