Govt Raising Gas Prices Due to Lack of Accountability: Rizvi

Dhaka: BNP Senior Joint Secretary Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has slammed the government for increasing gas prices, stating that it is happening due to the absence of accountability.

He said, "If this government were accountable, raising the price of a 12 kg gas cylinder by 19 taka wouldn’t be possible. This will put immense pressure on the lower-income groups—CNG drivers, rickshaw pullers, and day laborers. The 19-taka increase per cylinder is unreasonable and anti-people. If we had an elected government, this kind of situation wouldn’t exist."

Rizvi made these comments on Tuesday, February 4, while speaking to reporters after placing a wreath at the shrine of BNP’s founder and late President Ziaur Rahman in Manikganj.

He further said, "We, as a democratic party, support the interim government, but the government must ensure its decisions are not against the people. With daily price hikes in essential goods, including rice, and now gas prices going up, this is just another blow to the poor."

Rizvi also criticized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for allegedly taking away the power of the people and emphasized the need to return that power to the people. "The people will decide who forms the government. But Sheikh Hasina never allowed that. Through the bloodshed of students and citizens, the fascism of Sheikh Hasina fled the country, creating an environment for democracy to thrive. The interim government now has a responsibility to create an environment where the people can vote freely," he added.

Rizvi stressed that reforms should not be used to confuse the public. "We have repeatedly said that if reforms are needed, they should be done, but these reforms must strengthen democracy. Democracy means power to the people, and that power must be restored. The interim government must set a date for elections."

He further pointed out, "The primary responsibility of the interim government is to ensure free and fair elections. The responsibility of forming parties or organizations lies with individuals, not with the Chief Advisor. You must arrange for elections within a specific timeframe; otherwise, the people will fear the return of Sheikh Hasina's influence."

Rizvi also raised concerns about the current economic instability, stating that due to the lack of a democratic government, investments are not happening. "No one has the courage to invest because the interim government is temporary. People are uncertain and confused. To resolve this uncertainty, we need a political government that will reflect the will of the people. A government that will be accountable to the people," he said.

He concluded by saying, "Our economy is in crisis. We are relying on foreign loans, and our national reserves are depleting. To address these challenges, we must have an elected government."

The event was also attended by Manikganj District BNP’s Convener Afroza Khan Rita, Dhaka Division Organizing Secretary Kazi Saidul Alam Babul, Finance Secretary Mahmudur Rahman Suman, and other party leaders and activists.