No fuel shortage in country, 'situation artificial': Fakhrul

THAKURGAON, Apr 24 (UNB): LGRD and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir have said there is no fuel shortage in the country, empahasising that the current situation has been artificially created by some people involved in unethical business practices.

"There is no fuel crisis in the country. However, some people are creating this situation through unethical business practices," he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a function organised to distribute relief and development assistance in Thakurgaon on Friday.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that profiteering and black-market trading of fuel are behind the perceived shortage, and that such practices are harmful to the nation's economy and must be stopped.

He also said instructions have been given to take strict action against those involved in fuel-related irregularities.

Referring to farmers, he said agricultural producers continue to suffer losses, particularly in potato cultivation, as they are not getting fair prices and even failing to recover production costs.

The minister said steps are being taken to support farmers, including issuing farmer cards and establishing agricultural zones and cold storage facilities to help preserve produce.

He added that new development plans are being implemented under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, expressing hope for economic strengthening in the coming days.

Later, the programme distributed assistance including tin sheets and cash support to families affected by storms and hailstorms, along with funding for various religious and social institutions.

The programme was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, Additional Superintendent of Thakurgaon Police Mohammad Khoda Dad, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khazrul Alam, district BNP President Mirza Foysal Amin, Sadar Thana BNP President Abdul Hamid, Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, among other leaders.