Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has addressed various organisations’ recent demands and protests, saying the government would have to print money to meet everyone's demands, which would lead to more inflation.
If inflation occurs, the general public will suffer, the adviser told reporters after visiting Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Monday to inquire about the treatment of Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the recent student movement.
On Sunday, students and some passersby were injured in clashes with Ansar members in front of the Secretariat.
Fouzul further warned that if inflation increases, the market price of potatoes will rise from Tk40 to Tk80, the price of pointed gourd will increase, oil will reach Tk200, and onions will cost Tk150.
He added: "We are ready to discuss in a regulatory manner. It is not as if they (protesters) have failed to meet with any adviser."
The adviser also said: "This government has a very strong mandate." He added that students and the public brought this government to power by shedding blood on the streets, so no one should think it appeared out of nowhere.
Recalling the history of misdeeds over the past 16-17 years, the adviser said: "We are aware of the legitimate demands and discrimination, but we need time to eliminate this discrimination."
He said that the public has expectations from this government and it will take whatever strict measures are necessary to meet those expectations, but it requires time.
