Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday staged a protest rally and demonstration in the capital against repeated increases in fuel and electricity prices, as well as the rising cost of essential commodities.
The programme, organised by the party's Dhaka city units, was held at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at around 5 pm.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar urged the government to curb corruption instead of increasing electricity tariffs.
He claimed that public dissatisfaction with the government had become evident within three months of its assumption of office and alleged that people were expressing frustration through slogans directed at ministers.
Parwar alleged that the government had failed to fulfil its election pledges and accused it of ignoring public opinion on various issues, including constitutional reforms and electricity pricing.
He said stakeholders at a recent public hearing had recommended against raising electricity prices, but the government was proceeding with plans to increase tariffs by nearly 17 percent.
The Jamaat leader called on the government to withdraw the proposed electricity price hike immediately.
Speaking as a special guest, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Rafiqul Islam Khan alleged that the government had increased fuel prices twice within a month and raised gas prices earlier, contributing to inflationary pressure on consumers.
He also expressed concern over the country's law and order situation and criticised the appointment of the chairman of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, alleging that the appointee had previously resigned from a senior position at the central bank amid allegations of irregularities.
Rafiqul Islam Khan further accused the government of politicising state institutions and rehabilitating individuals linked to the former Awami League administration.
He urged the government to respect public opinion and avoid policies that, according to him, go against public interests.
The rally was conducted by Shafiqul Islam Masud. Among others, central executive council member Mubarak Hossain, Dhaka South Nayeb-e-Ameer Helal Uddin and Dhaka North Assistant Secretary Yasin Arafat addressed the gathering.
Following the rally, a procession marched from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram through Paltan intersection and Bijoynagar before ending at Kakrail. Party leaders claimed that thousands of activists participated in the demonstration.
