The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) yesterday criticized the government for its move to raise the prices of electricity and gas.

In a joint statement, CPB president Monjurul Ahsan Khan and general secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim strongly protested the government decision to raise the energy prices.

Citing newspaper reports, they said the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission is going to declare 16-18 percent increase in electricity price on September 29, defying the opinions of experts, economists and businesspeople.

They said the government decision came at a time when people are struggling to cope with the soaring prices of essentials.

"By the time, Wasa has increased the price of water without notice. If the government raises the prices of gas and electricity, then people would fall into a deep trouble," the statement said.

They also accused the government of making unequal deals with foreign companies that forced it to buy electricity and gas at higher prices from them.

The CPB leaders said the energy sector had long been counting losses due to mismanagement and corruption during various regimes in the past.

They urged the government to take effective measures to root out corruption and minimize the wastage of natural resources instead raising the prices of electricity and gas.