Bangladesh Nationalist Party has strongly protested the rise in the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder, describing it as a completely ‘illogical and anti-people’ decision.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to the party founder Ziaur Rahman on Tuesday, its senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that the interim government had taken the move due to its lack of accountability.
Earlier, Rizvi, along with the leaders of the newly formed convening committee of the BNP’s Manikganj district unit, placed wreaths at Zia’s grave.
‘This decision will put immense pressure on low-income and poor people, such as rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers and small shopkeepers,’ he said.
The BNP leader argued that the price hike of the cylindered gas, which was used for household purposes, would exert serious strain on the economy. ‘It will burden the poor. This decision is completely unjustified and anti-people. It would not have occurred had there been an elected government.’
He also said that their party and other democratic groups had been supporting the interim government, but warned that no undemocratic measures should be taken that would cause further hardship for the poor and low-income people.
Rizvi voiced concern that the prices of all essential items, including rice, had already exceeded the purchasing power of the poor. ‘In such circumstances, raising the price of the gas cylinder will only add salt to the wound of the people.’
On Sunday, the government raised the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk 19, with the new retail price set at Tk 1,478.
The BNP leader said that the country’s economy was struggling amid there was no new investment for a lack a democratic government. ‘No one is daring to invest because the interim government is a temporary government. So, people are uncertain. People are in a state of confusion. To end this uncertainty, a political government is needed.’
Rizvi also said that the country then needed a government that could restore power to the people and reflect their will in running the country. ‘We need an elected government that will be accountable to the people to overcome our economic crisis.’
He criticised the current government, saying that it was running the country with a heavy reliance on foreign loans, while national reserves were starting to dwindle.
‘Dark clouds are looming on the horizon. To overcome these, we must move towards an elected government,’ the BNP leader warned.
Rizvi called upon the government to stop trying to prolong its power by creating a smokescreen in the name of reforms.
He said that the first and foremost responsibility of the interim government was to ensure a free and fair election.
‘Who will form a party or create an organisation is not the responsibility of the chief adviser. The responsibility to ensure elections within a specific time frame lies with you [chief adviser]. If this is not done, it will create fear and suspicion in the minds of the people about whether a ‘ghost’ of Sheikh Hasina may emerge,’ Rizvi added.
