Khilafat Majlis slams energy management

Khilafat Majlis criticised the government's handling of the energy sector, alleging that its failure to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity had triggered a nationwide crisis affecting industries, transport and households.

The party made the remarks at a meeting of its central executive committee on Thursday, expressing "deep concern" over persistent gas shortages, excessive electricity bills, load-shedding and the rising cost of living.

The leaders alleged that Bangladesh was facing a severe energy crisis, with industrial and factory production being disrupted due to gas shortages, power generation affected and CNG-operated vehicles facing fuel shortages.

"The suffering of the common people and the cost of living have increased," they said.

The party further alleged that the government had witnessed "one failure after another" in the energy sector during its five months in office.

"The failure of the Energy Ministry to control the situation and ensure supply chain security is unacceptable in any way," the leaders said.

Urging the authorities to address public hardship, they said, "We urge the government to be sincere towards the people in alleviating their suffering. We demand the immediate restoration of electricity and gas supply."

The meeting also expressed concern over recent media reports alleging incidents of violence and extortion in educational institutions involving leaders and activists of the ruling party's student organisation.

"The students and the public do not want another reign of terror in educational institutions in the new Bangladesh after the mass uprising," the leaders said.

Warning that continued unrest on campuses would undermine the academic environment, they added, "If the educational environment is disrupted, the healthy development of talent will be hindered."

The party also called for an end to what it described as partisan domination in residential halls and educational institutions.

"Those who are still practising party hegemonic behaviour in halls and campuses must be stopped," the leaders said, urging educational institution authorities to act impartially to ensure a fair and peaceful academic environment.