CPB has accused the government of failing to take effective measures to resolve prevailing gas crisis.
Central and local leaders of the party expressed their grievances during a rally organised by CPB Dhaka Metropolitan South District Committee in front of Mukti Bhaban in Purana Paltan on Tuesday.
Addressing the gathering, CPB President Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan said although a severe gas crisis is disrupting public life across the country, the government is not taking prompt action. He alleged that pressure is being exerted by the United States for long-term LNG imports.
Chandan also added concern that the recent fire at floating LNG terminal in Moheshkhali might be linked to a conspiracy surrounding these imports.
CPB president demanded immediate repair of damaged terminal, a neutral investigation into the accident, and strengthening of domestic energy sector.
General Secretary Monjur Moin and other speakers said for over a decade, import-driven and LNG-dependent energy policies have held the nation hostage to a handful of businessmen and foreign companies.
They added that household cooking, industrial production, and the power sector are under serious threat because the government has increased import dependency instead of conducting adequate domestic gas exploration.
Speakers highlighted that gas shortage has brought household cooking in Dhaka to a near standstill, caused extreme suffering at restaurants and CNG stations, and led to a reduction in electricity production by approximately 1,500 megawatts.
To overcome the crisis, the party demanded the strengthening of BAPEX and Petrobangla, a reduction in foreign dependency, and a focus on energy exploration funded by domestic resources. Following the rally, a torch procession paraded through various streets, including Paltan and Bijoynagar.
