State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said that fuel prices have risen in most countries due to the Middle East conflict, but have not increased in Bangladesh.
She said that in many countries fuel prices have doubled, while in the United States they have increased by around 50 percent. Prices have also gone up significantly in countries such as Singapore, Sri Lanka and India.
“But fuel prices have not increased in Bangladesh yet. This is the success of the government,” she said while speaking to reporters after visiting Nagarkanda Upazila Health Complex in Faridpur on Saturday afternoon.
The state minister said the government is trying to ensure that people from all walks of life can live without hardship during the ongoing conflict.
She added that people need to think in the long term. “If we consider the future, some adjustment in fuel prices may be necessary. However, this must be done while ensuring people’s welfare,” she said.
Shama Obaed also said the Middle East conflict began after the BNP assumed office and that Bangladeshi expatriates in the region are being affected.
She said the government is working round the clock to keep the economy stable and maintain prices of essential goods at a tolerable level.
She said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had laid the foundation of the country’s foreign policy and was the first to open the labour market in Saudi Arabia. Following that legacy, she said, BNP governments have maintained good relations with Middle Eastern countries.
Due to these strong ties, she said, Bangladesh continues to be treated as a friendly country by Middle Eastern nations, including Iran, even during the conflict.
“Our expatriates are safe, and we are receiving necessary oil and gas through various channels without disruption,” she added.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the condition of Nagarkanda Upazila Health Complex, she said she had visited it earlier and found its condition poor at that time as well.
“Even today, the situation is disappointing. It does not meet required standards. There is a lack of necessary equipment and manpower,” she said.
Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Mollah, Superintendent of Police Md Nazrul Islam, Civil Surgeon Md Mahmudul Hasan, Nagarkanda Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Saiful Islam, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mahmudul Hasan, former Upazila BNP President Habibur Rahman Babul Talukder, General Secretary Saifur Rahman Mukul, Organising Secretary Shawkat Ali Sharif, and Jubo Dal leader Taibur Rahman Masud, among others, were present.