Staff Correspondent

BNP has strongly protested the rise in the price of a 12-kg LPG cylinder, describing it as a completely ‘illogical and anti-people’ decision.

Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to party founder Ziaur Rahman on Tuesday, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the interim government has taken this move due to its lack of accountability.

Earlier, Rizvi, along with the leaders of the newly formed convening committee of the BNP’s Manikganj district unit, placed wreaths at Zia's grave.

“This decision will put immense pressure on low-income and poor people, such as rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers and small shopkeepers,” he said.

The BNP argued that the price hike of the cylindered gas, which is used for household purposes, will exert serious strain on the economy. “It will burden the poor. This decision is completely unjustified and anti-people. It would not have occurred had there been an elected government,” he said.

The BNP leader also said their party and other democratic groups have been supporting the interim government, but warned that no undemocratic measures should be taken that would cause further hardship for the poor and low-income people.

He voiced concern that the prices of all essential items, including rice, have already exceeded the purchasing power of the poor. “In such circumstances, raising the price of the gas cylinder will only add salt to the wound of the people.”

On Sunday, the government raised the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk 19, with the new retail price set at Tk 1,478.

The BNP leader said the country’s economy is struggling amid there is no new investment for a lack a democratic government. “No one is daring to invest because the interim government is a temporary government. So, people are uncertain. People are in a state of confusion. To end this uncertainty, a political government is needed,” he said.

Rizvi also said the country now needs a government that can restore power to the people and reflect their will in running the country. “We need an elected government that will be accountable to the people to overcome our economic crisis.”

He criticised the current government, saying it is running the country with a heavy reliance on foreign loans, while national reserves are starting to dwindle.

The BNP leader warned, "Dark clouds are looming on the horizon. To overcome these, we must move towards an elected government."

The BNP leader called upon the government to stop trying to prolong its power by creating a smokescreen in the name of reforms.

He said the first and foremost responsibility of the interim government is to ensure a free and fair election.

“Who will form a party or create an organisation is not the responsibility of the chief advisor. The responsibility to ensure elections within a specific time frame lies with you (chief advisor). If this is not done, it will create fear and suspicion in the minds of the people about whether a 'ghost' of Sheikh Hasina may emerge,” Rizvi said.