Fuel price hike won’t affect Eid travel: Muktadir

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Saturday said that the recent increase in global fuel prices due to the war situation in the Middle East will not affect the upcoming Eid travel in the country.

“There is also no possibility of a price hike in essential commodities,” he said, adding that a long-standing war could create some challenges in the global economy.

The minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at an iftar and Eid gift distribution programme for working-class families of Ward No. 19 at the Raynagar Daftoripara Mosque ground in Sylhet on Saturday.

He said Bangladesh supports peace and expressed hope that the war would end soon and peace would be restored in the world, said a Commerce Ministry press release.

Replying to another question about the government’s steps if the conflict continues for long Muktadir said the present government has been elected through the direct votes of the people and has taken all necessary preparations to ensure public safety and maintain normal life.

“Due to these preparations, there is no reason for people to be worried,” he added. Earlier, addressing the Eid Gifts distribution programme as the chief guest, the minister said the commitments he made to the people before the election would be implemented gradually.

He also said that various problems of the city would be resolved gradually and sought the prayers and cooperation of the people to fulfill the responsibility entrusted to him through their votes.

Among others, acting president of Sylhet metropolitan BNP Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi, general secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury and organiser of the programme Shafiqur Rahman Sumon were present.

Later, the minister joined an iftar cum prayer gatherings organised by the Bangladesh Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad, the Sunamganj Samity in Sylhet and the Sylhet Metropolitan Police in the city.