The BNP’s top official, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. | Photo: Collected
Dhaka, January 13, 2023 –
In a sharp critique of the government’s recent decision to raise electricity prices, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has labeled the move “anti-people” and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
In a statement issued on Friday, he accused the government of burdening citizens during a period of acute economic hardship, calling the decision “reckless and unreasonable.”
“The current government does not represent the people and has taken this exploitative decision without considering its devastating impact,” Mirza Fakhrul stated.
He highlighted that the monthly price adjustment mechanism, which has been introduced to justify the hikes, is nothing but “a petty trick to deceive the public.”
The government announced a 5% increase in consumer electricity prices effective this January, citing the need for financial alignment in the sector.
However, Mirza Fakhrul strongly criticized the move, emphasizing its detrimental impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Economic Struggles Amplified
The BNP leader pointed to the spiraling prices of essential commodities such as rice, lentils, oil, and sugar, which have already pushed countless families to the brink.
Increasing electricity costs is a terrible blow, he added, particularly when unemployment is high and households are already struggling to make ends meet.
He warned that the retail-level price hike, coming just two months after a similar increase at the wholesale level, will further escalate the cost of living.
He believes that this action would result in a cascade of price increases that would affect the entire economy, as it would raise the prices of agricultural irrigation and manufacturing.
Claims of Power Sector Corruptibility
Mirza Fakhrul expressed his unwavering criticism of the power sector, accusing it of widespread corruption and poor management.
He claimed that government-backed owners of power generation plants have been exploiting capacity charges to pocket public funds without producing electricity.
“The people are being forced to bear the brunt of corruption, waste, and inefficiency in the power sector,” he said, pointing to these irregularities as the root cause of inflated power generation costs.
Call to Action
The BNP leader urged citizens to unite in protest.
He called on party leaders, activists, and the public to participate in rallies and processions in Dhaka and upazilas across the country on January 16 to demand the cancellation of the price hike.
Broader Context
The electricity price hike comes amid a broader economic crisis in Bangladesh.
Inflation has hit record highs, driven by global supply chain disruptions and domestic challenges.
Critics, including Mirza Fakhrul, argue that the government’s fiscal policies have exacerbated the situation.
The World Bank and other institutions have also warned of increasing inequality and poverty if corrective measures are not taken.
This contentious decision has further fueled political tensions in the country.
The opposition sees it as another example of what they allege is the ruling party’s disregard for public welfare.
Whether these protests will compel the government to reconsider remains to be seen, but for now, discontent is simmering across the nation.