Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there is no fuel shortage in Bangladesh, claiming the current situation has been artificially created by unethical business practices.
“There is no fuel crisis in the country. However, some people are creating this situation through unethical business activities,” he said while addressing a programme in Thakurgaon on Friday.
He made the remarks at an event organised by the district administration at the Mirza Ruhul Amin Auditorium, where relief and development assistance were distributed.
The minister alleged that profiteering and black-market trading of fuel were behind the perceived shortage, warning that such activities are damaging to the national economy and must be stopped. He added that instructions had been issued to take strict action against those involved in fuel-related irregularities.
Referring to the agricultural sector, he said farmers continue to face losses, particularly in potato cultivation, as they are not receiving fair prices and are often unable to recover production costs.
He said measures are being taken to support farmers, including the introduction of farmer cards and the establishment of agricultural zones and cold storage facilities to help preserve produce.
The minister added that new development plans are being implemented under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, expressing hope that these initiatives will strengthen the economy in the coming days.
Following the event, assistance was distributed to families affected by recent storms and hailstorms, including tin sheets and cash support, as well as funding for various religious and social institutions.
Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque; Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Khoda Dad; Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khazrul Alam; district BNP President Mirza Foysal Amin; Sadar Thana BNP President Abdul Hamid; and Municipal BNP President Shariful Islam Sharif, among other local leaders.
