Rizvi asks oppn to bring plans to tackle energy crisis

BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has urged opposition parties to bring alternative plans to parliament to address the country’s gas and electricity crisis instead of creating a “planned deadlock” through street programmes.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the newly elected executive committee of the Bangladesh Dancers’ Association at the National Theatre Auditorium of the Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka on Friday afternoon.

Rizvi said opposition parties could hold programmes such as long marches over the gas and electricity crisis, but they should also explain how the shortages could be addressed.

“You will hold a long march for gas and electricity and announce different programmes, that is fine. But tell us an alternative way. How will we supply gas and electricity? Where will we get it from and how will we get it?” he said.

He said opposition parties should present clear plans on the steps needed to deal with the crisis, noting that opposition lawmakers have the opportunity to raise the issue in parliament.

Criticising the government and holding political programmes outside parliament are normal parts of democracy, he said. At the same time, opposition parties should offer constructive suggestions to help resolve the crisis.

Rizvi said creating a planned deadlock would not be appropriate and called for effective plans to overcome the situation.

He attributed the current crisis to the war between the United States and Iran, disruptions to energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz and what he described as wrong planning by the previous government.

He claimed that the present government was not responsible for the current crisis.

Rizvi said the global conflict and disruptions in the energy supply system had affected Bangladesh. The disruption to energy transportation through the Strait of Hormuz had also created temporary difficulties in importing necessary fuel, he said.

He warned that repeating the mistakes and wrong policies of the past could push the country further into darkness.