Fuel price adjustment in B’desh limited
Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said the government has made only a limited adjustment to fuel prices considering the rising trend in the international market.
Speaking at a press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office, he said Bangladesh is fully dependent on imported fuel and therefore cannot remain unaffected when global oil prices rise.
“Since we do not produce fuel locally, any increase in the international market directly affects us. The latest adjustment has been made in line with global market conditions, and the increase is limited,” Mahdi Amin said.
Responding to a question, he said Bangladesh had delayed increasing fuel prices compared with many other countries despite pressure from the international market.
According to him, oil prices have gone up worldwide since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. Many countries adjusted their prices earlier, while Bangladesh made the move relatively late.
He also said fuel prices in Bangladesh still remain lower than those in many neighbouring countries, which has helped the government keep inflation under control.
The press conference was held at Karobi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office to brief the media on different public-oriented initiatives and programmes taken on the instructions of the Prime Minister ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
Replying to another question, Mahdi Amin said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been making all possible efforts over the past three months to deliver the services expected from an accountable administration.
Asked about the remarks made by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj regarding Dhaka University, Mahdi Amin highlighted the historic role of Dhaka University and other public universities in Bangladesh’s democratic and political movements.
He said the contribution of Dhaka University and other public universities is deeply connected with the country’s history, from the Language Movement and the 1969 Mass Uprising to the Liberation War, the anti-autocracy movement of 1990 and the July mass uprising.
The PMO spokesperson said many people now serving in important state positions came from Dhaka University and other public universities through merit and competence.
He also noted that the private university sector began its journey during the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 1992 and has since made significant progress.
Mahdi Amin said private universities also played an important role during the July movement alongside public universities and people from different sections of society.
“We do not see Dhaka University, North South University or any other university separately. We believe all educational institutions complement one another rather than compete with one another,” he said.
He added that students often move between public and private universities for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, reflecting a shared national education system.
“As an elected government, we believe what matters is not which university someone attended, but their honesty, competence and merit,” Mahdi Amin said.
The spokesperson said the government wants to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh where talent and qualifications are properly recognised and all universities receive policy support from the state.
Asked about the buffalo named after US President Donald Trump and now kept at the National Zoo, Mahdi Amin said the government’s main responsibility is to maintain stability, law and order, and social harmony.
He said the authorities wanted to avoid any situation that could create unnecessary controversy or discomfort at home or abroad.
“A responsible and accountable government always seeks to move the country forward in a positive and festive environment where everyone can participate with goodwill and sincerity,” he said.
Mahdi Amin described the handling of the matter as a prudent decision taken through government channels and implemented as part of a state decision.
Prime Minister’s Speechwriter Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony and Md Suzauddhowla, and Assistant Press Secretaries Nazmul Haque Khan and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar were also present at the press conference.
