BJKS demands withdrawal of fuel price hike

Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity (BJKS) has strongly opposed the recent increase in fuel prices, demanding that the government immediately withdraw the decision and restore previous rates.

In a press statement issued on Monday morning, the passenger welfare organisation criticised the administration for raising fuel prices twice within just seven months of taking office.

BJKS Secretary General Md Mozammel Haque Chowdhury noted that the latest price hike came at a time when international oil prices are on a downward trend, while Bangladesh is grappling with severe economic pressures.

He pointed to several major crises currently facing the country:
-Rising living costs and high inflation
-Fuel shortages and energy instability
-Growing unemployment caused by factory closures
“Amid such circumstances, the government should stand by the people rather than burden them further,” the statement said.

The organisation warned that the fuel price hike would trigger a domino effect across the economy, sharply escalating public transport fares, freight costs, consumer goods prices, and industrial production expenses.

BJKS urged the government to absorb part of the increased energy costs or provide targeted subsidies to shield struggling citizens and businesses.

“At this moment of severe economic hardship, it is the government’s responsibility to support people in distress by subsidising the energy sector, keeping the economy moving, and helping to bring down inflation,” Mozammel said.

Concluding the statement, BJKS reiterated its call for the administration to reconsider the policy immediately to ease the financial squeeze on everyday consumers and the wider economy.