Ensure Price Reduction of Daily Necessities Including LP Gas: Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan
Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan (BKA) Amir Maulana Habibullah Miyaji has expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices and urged the government to keep essential commodities, including gas and electricity, within public reach. In a statement issued on Wednesday, he criticized the government and the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) for ignoring consumer interests to satisfy business syndicates. He warned that prioritizing commercial interests over public welfare will fuel widespread public wrath if unaddressed.
According to media reports, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission increased the price of a 12 kg LPG cylinder by Tk 223 on November 2, fixing the official rate at Tk 2,060. Since January’s rate of Tk 1,306, the price has surged by nearly 54 percent over 11 months. Furthermore, consumers are currently forced to pay between Tk 2,300 and Tk 2,500 in local markets due to artificial shortages created by dishonest business syndicates.
Maulana Habibullah Miyaji highlighted that although price hikes were attributed to global market fluctuations, LPG in Bangladesh remains the most expensive among South Asian countries. A 12 kg cylinder costs Tk 1,488 in Pakistan, Tk 1,392 in Sri Lanka and Nepal, and Tk 1,088 in neighboring India. He blamed structural inefficiencies, non-transparent contracts, and a distinct lack of political goodwill for shifting the financial burden onto helpless citizens instead of curbing market exploitation.
The BKA leader emphasized that unbridled price hikes have severely impacted working-class citizens, day laborers, and low-income families already struggling with rising living costs, rent, electricity, and healthcare. Demanding an immediate price reduction to ensure consumer affordability, Maulana Miyaji stated, ‘By attempting to satisfy businesses, the government has dissatisfied the general public.’ He called for strict legal action against market syndicates to restore discipline and protect basic consumer rights across the country.
