Load-shedding an early sign of economic crisis, says BNP

Terming the countrywide load-shedding an early sign of grave economic crisis, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said the government will now find it very difficult to overcome the crisis and prevent its fall, reports UNB.
"The economists are saying problems are being created in every sector. The government will now be at a loss for what to do. People are fuming and they'll burst with anger, hastening the fall of the government," he said.
Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office, Fakhrul also said the government has given around $7.5 billion to the Export Development Fund from the reserves to abet those who are doing business in different countries. "They siphoned off the money abroad and built houses there. So, that money is not coming to the country anymore. This is the beginning of the crisis."
He feared that the country's economy will be hit hard by the frequent power outages as production in RMG and other sectors will be hampered by it.
"The economy of Bangladesh mainly depends on the garment industry. When there is a shortfall in power and energy supply in that sector, problems will arise regarding the production and transportation," the BNP leader observed.
Mentioning that fuel oil and electricity are deeply intertwined with the economy, he said when the rationing system is introduced in power distribution, there will be a considerable possibility of reduction in production.
"The economists are saying that this (load-shedding) is a temporary measure. They (govt) have to take steps toward a permanent solution to the problem. But they're not going in that direction. They are not raising prices (of power) further in fear of facing public wrath as the prices have already been increased. But the economy is suffering tremendously," the BNP leader viewed.
He said the government will have to now pay the power plants that are not generating electricity due to the fuel crisis. "In that case, a large part of the money will be spent and in most cases, these payments are made in dollars. These problems have been created due to rampant corruption and for lack of the government's plans. Their only goal is to indulge in corruption everywhere."
He warned that the government must be accountable to people someday for plundering public money by paying the power plant owners without producing electricity.
Referring to different comments of Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, Fakhrul said, "He (CEC) has now become a laughing stock."
He said it has been proven over the last 10 years that a fair and credible election is not possible under Awami League and any partisan government. "The government must restore the caretaker government system for ensuring an acceptable election and overcoming the crisis."