The Central Steering Council of Ganatrantrik Jukto Front has strongly condemned the government's latest decision to increase fuel prices by Tk 5 per litre through an executive order, describing the move as anti-people and harmful to the country's economy. 

In a statement issued on June 1, the alliance demanded an immediate reduction, rather than an increase, in fuel prices.

According to the statement, fuel prices were already significantly raised ahead of Eid, with diesel increasing from Tk 100 to Tk 115 per litre, octane from Tk 120 to Tk 140, petrol from Tk 116 to Tk 135, and kerosene from Tk 112 to Tk 130. 

Ganatrantrik Jukto Front leaders warned that another round of price hikes would further intensify inflation and place an unbearable burden on ordinary citizens.

The statement also criticized the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission for proposing electricity tariff increases following public hearings held on May 19 and 20. 

The alliance alleged that the hearings were little more than a formality, noting that consumer representatives and energy experts had opposed the proposed price increases. 

According to the statement, experts argued that electricity prices could be reduced by ending capacity payments to idle rental and quick-rental power plants and by curbing corruption and losses within the energy sector.

Ganatrantrik Jukto Front warned that higher fuel and electricity prices would increase production costs across industry and agriculture, leading to further rises in the prices of essential goods and services. 

The alliance said the combined impact of inflation and higher utility costs would make life increasingly difficult for ordinary people. Its leaders called on the government to immediately withdraw what they described as undemocratic decisions to raise fuel and electricity prices.

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