To ease public suffering, the government is providing Tk167 crore daily in fuel subsidies, said State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit.
He made the remark on Friday at a cheque distribution programme for the destitute and helpless in Jashore, organised by the Department of Social Services at the district administration conference hall.
Addressing the event, the minister said, “The government is working to relieve people’s hardships. Despite global fuel market volatility, prices have not been increased. Any hike would push up electricity, public transport, and food costs. To prevent additional burden, the government provides Tk167 crore daily in fuel subsidies.”
He added that the government has ensured fuel supply to meet public demand until April.
“There is widespread concern about fuel availability. While 80 countries have raised fuel prices, Bangladesh has kept rates unchanged. Supply has remained stable, though demand has surged. Diesel demand averaged 12,000 tonnes daily, and petrol octane 1,200–1,400 metric tonnes. Ahead of Eid, daily diesel supply reached 24,000–25,000 tonnes. The government has ensured fuel availability until April and started measures to maintain a 90-day reserve,” he said.
The minister emphasised the government’s responsibility to safeguard all citizens. He recalled past social safety measures, noting that the 1991 government introduced allowances for disadvantaged groups.
“Subsequent governments increased allowances, but genuine beneficiaries were often left out during the Awami League’s 15-year tenure. We have visited households before elections, listened to grievances, and now ensure only eligible recipients get benefits without political or religious bias,” he said.
He added that the government has started fulfilling election pledges, including launching the Family Card, honouring religious leaders, and planning the Farmer Card on Pohela Boishakh.
He urged citizens to help neighbours and relatives claim their entitlements to reduce the number of disadvantaged people in society.
At the end of the programme, the chief guest handed one-time financial assistance cheques to 153 destitute and helpless individuals.
The event was chaired by Jashore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ashek Hasan.
Other attendees included District Council Administrator Delwar Hossain Khokon, Superintendent of Police Syed Rafiqul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Overall) Sujan Sarker, and Press Club president Jahid Hasan Tukun.
Harun-Ar-Rashid, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services in Jashore, delivered the welcome speech.
