Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed the home minister to take strict measures to prevent artificial fuel crises and smuggling, even as the government maintains adequate reserves and continues subsidies to keep prices stable.
The directive came at a ruling party parliamentary committee meeting at the Parliament Building on Saturday, convened to expedite National Parliament activities ahead of the upcoming session.
Speaking after the meeting, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Mani said the premier had directed the home ministry to conduct crackdowns and take firm action against those attempting to create an artificial shortage.
“There is war in the Middle East; the entire world is in turmoil. But the price of oil has not been increased in Bangladesh. Fuel is being supplied with subsidies. There is no supply shortage,” Mani told reporters.
He urged the public not to panic, noting that a ship carrying 2 lakh metric tons of oil has already arrived, with another 2 lakh metric tonnes en route.
The government is providing approximately Tk200 crore in subsidies each month to keep fuel prices stable despite soaring global rates due to the Middle East conflict, the chief whip said.
However, he alleged that some unscrupulous circles were attempting to create an artificial crisis, including through cross-border smuggling.
The prime minister has instructed MPs to coordinate with district and local administrations to prevent hoarding and ensure that fuel prices do not rise anywhere. The fuel minister will provide detailed remarks under Rule 300 in Sunday’s parliamentary session.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said after the meeting that discussions focused on the government’s achievements in its first month and the challenges ahead.
“Although oil prices have increased in neighboring countries and many nations worldwide, the government’s success lies in not increasing oil prices in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that prior planning had been undertaken, with farmers’ needs during the Boro season taken into account.
On smuggling, he said the government would take strict measures.
The meeting also discussed recent bus and train accidents, with relevant ministers briefing MPs on causes and preventive steps.
At the outset, lawmakers joined a special prayer for the forgiveness of Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, who recently passed away.
Chief Whip Mani said this was the first time a prime minister had compelled ministers to provide detailed information to MPs to facilitate area-specific action. Such briefings will now be held monthly.
The parliamentary session begins Sunday at 3pm, with another ruling party meeting scheduled for 1:30 pm.
