Islami Andolan Bangladesh said that raising electricity prices will worsen pressure on essential commodity prices and hit low and middle-income people.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, party Joint Secretary General and spokesperson Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman said prices of daily necessities have already reached an “intense level”.
He warned that any increase in electricity prices would spread further “fire” in the market.
He said the move must not be allowed in the interest of middle and lower-income groups.
Gazi Ataur Rahman said “The global energy crisis is an international issue. However, he added that government diplomatic weaknesses, inefficiency in the energy sector and poor planning are also responsible.”
He claimed that although Iran recently allowed five fuel-laden ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, “bureaucratic failure” meant four of those ships had no real existence.
He said “Such inefficiency and failure of the government cannot be shifted onto the people.”
Gazi also said “Whenever there is a financial crisis, the burden is placed on the public. People are forced to cut expenses, but no such austerity is applied in government spending.”
He urged the government to first reduce unnecessary expenditure and correct diplomatic weaknesses before considering any increase in electricity prices.
