BNP threatens street agitation if govt raises gas tariffs

BNP on Friday threatened to take to the streets if the government implements the 'illegal' proposal of hiking the gas tariffs, reports UNB.

"The government is out to increase the gas tariffs again to inflict sufferings on common people. An unjustified proposal was made to hike the gas prices by 103 percent only to plunder public money," said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he also said the government's move to raise the gas tariffs is 'illegal' and 'inhuman' one.

"We would like to clearly say the government must back off from its anti-people move to hike the gas prices. Otherwise, we'll take to the streets with strong programmes to realise our demands," the BNP leader warned.

Mentioning that the gas prices were raised six times over the last 10 years, he said the government's latest move to raise the gas tariffs is illogical since fuel prices are stable on the international market.

Rizvi said common people well be affected badly if the gas tariffs are hiked. "It'll also hamper production in mills and factories and increase unemployment."

He said transport fares will also go up if the gas prices are hiked. "It'll ultimately increase people's cost of living."

The BNP leader also renewed their party's demand for ensuring better treatment for their ailing party chief Khaleda Zia and her release from jail.

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) held a four-day long public hearing on proposals for raising gas prices since Monday.

During the hearing, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Ltd, Sundarban Gas Company Ltd, Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company and Jalalabad Gas Distribution Company placed identical proposals for hiking the gas tariffs.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi voiced deep concern over the terror attacks at two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch where Bangladesh cricket team is now staying.

He also thanked the almighty Allah as the Bangladeshi cricketers managed to narrowly escape the attacks.

"We've come to know Bangladeshi cricketers narrowly escaped the attacks by terrorists in New Zealand's Christchurch. We thank the almighty Allah for it," he said.

The BNP leader further said," We're deeply worried over such attacks. We strongly condemn it and express our deep shock over the loss of lives and injures in the attacks."

He also wished the safe return of Bangladeshi cricketers to the country.

Meanwhile, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam denounced the terror attacks.

In a statement, he demanded that the New Zealand authorities immediately identify the attackers and punish them.

Fakhrul also hoped that the local security forces will ensure maximum security for the Bangladeshi cricketers.

He expressed deep shock over the loss of lives and prayed for salvation of the departed souls.

The BNP leader also wished early recovery of those injured in the attacks.

The New Zealand government says 49 people have been killed and more than 20 seriously wounded in shootings at the two mosques. Four suspects have been detained.

Bangladesh cricket team, currently staying in Christchurch to play against New Zealand, narrowly escaped the attack.

The third and final Test between Tigers and the Kiwis has been called off.

Bangladesh Honorary Consul Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan told the news agency that three Bangladeshis are among those killed in Christchurch terror attack at mosques while several others were injured.

He also said they are taking necessary steps to send cricketers back home as early as possible.