Illogical, inhumane, unacceptable

Different political parties, including BNP and Jatiya Party, yesterday blasted the government for increasing fuel prices. They wanted to know for whose interest the government has taken the decision when global prices are decreasing.

Some parties staged demonstrations in different parts of the country.

They said people will bear the brunt of this hike, as transportation costs and prices of essentials will increase because of high fuel prices.

Party leaders demanded the government immediately withdraw its decision.

Speaking at a programme in front of the party's headquarters in the capital's Nayapaltan area, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the government is repeatedly increasing prices of fuel, edible oil, gas, electricity and water.

"They [the government] started oppressing people immediately after  assuming power. People are at a loss due to repeated price hikes of different necessities," he added.

"The fuel prices were abruptly increased by almost 50 percent last night [Friday night]. It's like rubbing salt in our wounds," he said. "It has become the responsibility of all to oust the Awami League government."

Jatiya Party Chairperson and Deputy Leader of Opposition GM Quader said the decision to increase fuel prices by more than 51 percent is ruthless and unprecedented.

"This has proved that the government has no mercy towards the people of the country," he said in a statement.

"While prices have started to fall around the world, the rise of fuel prices in the country has disappointed all quarters," said the JP chief. In the statement, the JP chairperson also said the cost of transportation will increase due to the increase of fuel prices; the price of daily goods will increase.

Besides, production cost of domestic products will increase, and so, prices will also rise. It will also cause a disaster in the export industry. The country's economy will move towards dire consequences, he added.

The price of fuel around the world is now on downward trend. Benchmark  crude oil prices have fallen by 29 to 30 percent in the last four to five  months at various locations. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI)  oil prices fell below $89 per barrel, the price of which rose to $124  last March. International benchmark Brent crude is selling at  $94 per barrel, the JP leader said.

In a statement, Workers Party also lambasted the government, saying that the "illogical" decision of increasing fuel prices is a reflection of the government's "inhumane behaviour" towards the country's people.

It said citizens are already facing dire consequences due to inflation and uncontrolled price hike of daily essentials. "Increase of fuel prices will create a serious crisis in people's lives."

The leftist party also said the government has increased fuel prices in a bid to fulfil IMF's condition to get a loan.

At a protest meeting in front of Jatiya Press Club, Left Democratic Alliance said the government will be forced to step down for creating such a situation in the country.

Meanwhile, Gono Odhikar Parishad demonstrated in the High Court area, while Bangladesh Chhatra Federation brought out a torch procession in front of National Museum at Shahbagh.

At a meeting, Gonoforum leaders announced a countrywide protest programme and procession on Wednesday. The party also announced a protest meeting in front of Jatiya Press Club the next day.

Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) also demonstrated in front of Jatiya Press Club.

United Communist League of Bangladesh in a statement said there is no alternative to ousting the government to get rid of the ongoing problem.

Meanwhile, Jatri Kalyan Samity in a statement termed the decision "illogical".