Voicing against the fuel and electricity price hikes Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday staged protest rallies and processions across the country, including the capital.
Party leaders described the recurrent hiking of fuel and power prices as the anti-people decision, demanding its immediate withdrawal.
In the capital a protest rally was brought out by the party's metropolitan unit starting from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the afternoon. The rally paraded key city points, including Paltan and Kakrail and ended at Shantinagar.
It was participated by hundreds of party leaders and activists, chanting various slogans against the price hikes, expressing concern over the growing economic burden on general people.
Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar was critical of the government's decision, saying it will further increase the hardship suffered by low-income families, small business owners and industrial operators.
The latest increase in electricity and fuel prices came at a time when people are already struggling amid unabated living costs and inflationary pressure, he added.
He further said, "Higher energy costs will inevitably push up transportation costs, and it can lead to further increase in the prices of essential commodities."
So, he urged the government to reconsider the decision in the interest of the public and adopt measures in order to protect consumers from additional financial pressure.
Echoing his remarks speakers alleged that inefficiency, waste and a lack of accountability in the energy sector were being passed on consumers through higher utility costs. They called for greater transparency and reforms in the management of the country's energy sector.
Jamaat's protests followed a recent announcement by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission regarding new electricity tariffs.
Under the revised rates, wholesale electricity prices have been increased by an average of 19.85 per cent, transmission charges by 23.96pc and retail electricity prices by 16.68pc. The new rates are set to take effect from June.
Jamaat leaders also vowed to continue democratic protests against what they described as decisions contrary to public interest and reiterated their demand for the withdrawal of the latest fuel and electricity price increases.
