Acting Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 6th November protesting government's decision of increasing gasoline prices.

Without any reason, the government has increased the prices of petrol and diesel by 15 taka per litre from 3rd November. Earlier, per litre petrol and diesel was sold at 65 taka per litre and now it is 85 taka. In another move, the authorities have hiked the price of 12 kg LP gas by 54 taka. Almost in every month, price of LP gas is being increased. Government has increasd the prices of petrol, diesel and gas once again ignoring the public interest. Already, people are terribly suffering due to increasing price of the essentials. This sudden hike of gasoline would cause another price spiral of the essential commodities, agricultural products and transport fare. Meanwhile, a chaotic situation has been created in the transport sector centering the issue of fare hike. People are immensely suffering for this situation. This price hike decision would be another blow to the general masses. We are condemning and protesting government's illogical and irrational decision.

Due to adverse impact of corona pandemic, losing job and business opportunities, people are already experiencing a difficult life. It becomes almost challenging for the majority of the people to manage their daily foods. Recently, from two surveys of 'The Power and Participation Center and BRAC University's Governance and Development, it becomes apparent that following the second wave of the pandemic, around 35.4 millions people became poor again. Under the circumstances, when many countries across the globe are decreasing gasoline price, Bangladesh authorities have taken the reverse decision which is totally illogical, unacceptable and it will certainly go against the public interest.

The incumbent government has come to the power through a voter-less election and as such they do not feel any accountability to the people. Ruling party leaders are extremely busy with looting, irregularities and corruptions. The government has taken the decision of increasing gasoline prices to serve their interest.

I am urging the concerned authorities to repeal the decision of increasing petrol, diesel and LP gas and also to take immediate effective measures to bring the prices of essentials within people’s capacity.