Two left-leaning parties, namely Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), are jointly going to stage demonstrations in the capital today protesting the recent move to raise gas prices.
Besides, the parties will also hold such sort of programme across the country on Monday against the move that was supposed to come into effect from January 1 next year.
BSD General Secretary Khaliquzzaman made an announcement in this regard after a meeting with the CPB in the latter’s central office in the capital’s Paltan area.
Energy expert Badrul Imam, member secretary of the National Committee to Protect Oil Gas Mineral Resources Power and Ports Prof Anu Muhammad, economist Prof MM Akash, CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim and its leader Ruhin Hossain Prince, among others, addressed the meeting chaired by Khaliquzzaman.
They urged upon the government shunning its move to raise the gas prices.
Anu Muhammad said the price hike decision would directly affect 80-85 percent of people living under the poverty line.
Badrul Imam blamed mismanagement and corruption in the energy sector, saying “Bapex should take over the charge of the country’s gas exploration immediately from profit-making multinational companies like Chevron, Gazprom, Niko for the sake of the sector.”
MM Akash demanded suspension of the government’s move till completion of the public hearing over the hike, which has remained pending to Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).
As per the BERC law, the commission shall conduct a public hearing over any energy price hike related to policy decisions, Akash went on.