BNP slams LPG price hike as ‘illogical’

Staff Reporter :

The BNP has strongly criticized the government’s decision to increase the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder, calling it an anti-people move. The Party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi slammed the decision as unjustified and illogical.

Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to party founder Ziaur Rahman on Tuesday, Rizvi said that the interim government’s lack of accountability has led to such measures.

Earlier, he, along with leaders of the BNP’s newly formed convening committee in Manikganj district, placed wreaths at Zia’s grave.

“This price hike will severely impact low-income groups such as rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers, and small shop owners,” Rizvi said.

The BNP argued that raising the cost of cylindered gas, a household necessity, would place a heavy burden on the economy.

“This decision is entirely unjust and detrimental to the people. If there were an elected government, such actions would not have been taken,” he added.

While the BNP and other democratic forces have supported the interim government, Rizvi warned against undemocratic decisions that worsen hardships for the poor.

He also expressed concern over the rising cost of essential commodities, including rice, which have already surpassed the purchasing power of the poor.

“In this situation, increasing gas prices is like rubbing salt in the wound,” he remarked.

On Sunday, the government raised the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder by Tk 19, setting the new retail price at Tk 1,478.

Rizvi further said that the country’s economy is struggling, with new investments dwindling due to the absence of a democratic government. “Investors are hesitant because the interim government is temporary.

This uncertainty is causing confusion among the people. To resolve this, a stable political government is necessary,” he said.