LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticised the ongoing fuel shortages in Bangladesh, stating that the issue is not due to a lack of supply, but rather the result of artificially created shortages.
He pointed to the rising fuel prices, which he linked to the geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, as the root cause of the problem.
Addressing a gathering at the Thakurgaon Municipal Hall on Friday, Fakhrul, also the BNP secretary general, explained that the country’s fuel woes had worsened as a consequence of the conflict between Iran and the US, which had a significant impact on global markets.
“A disaster has struck suddenly, and Bangladesh has been severely affected. The increase in fuel prices has led to long queues at petrol stations. These issues are not caused by a shortage of fuel, but by some individuals creating problems to profit from the situation,” he stated.
Fakhrul also accused certain individuals of engaging in unethical practices by hoarding fuel and selling it on the black market. “We must ensure that no one profits from hoarding fuel and selling it at inflated prices. I have already instructed local authorities to monitor the situation closely,” he said.
The minister assured the public that they should not be swayed by misinformation and called on citizens to remain united and resilient in the face of challenges. “We should not give in to false propaganda. A certain section of people is trying to destabilise the country. We have defeated fascist forces unitedly on 5 August, and we will continue to fight for a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Bangladesh,” Fakhrul added.
The event, which focused on distributing relief materials to cyclone- and flood-affected families, was organised by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. It included the distribution of corrugated iron sheets, cheques, and allocation letters for the rehabilitation of affected families.
Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque and other local government officials also attended the event.
