Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday alleged that the government has taken a stance against the interest of the common people by raising bus and launch fares instead of lowering fuel oil prices.

In a statement, he said, “The government has increased the prices of diesel and kerosene irrationally. We had demanded a reduction in fuel oil prices. But the government raised the transport and launch fares,” he said.

GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said the decision to increase oil prices and transportation costs is an anti-people one.

He demanded the government reduce the increased prices of diesel and kerosene and the increased fares of buses and launches.

Also read: Fuel price hike ‘illogical’: GM Quader

The Jatiya Party chairman said the government suddenly increased the prices of diesel and kerosene by Tk 15 per liter on the night of November 3.

He bemoaned that the government has also increased bus fares by 27 percent and launch fares by 35 percent without reducing fuel prices in the face of a movement by transport owners, leaving people in unbearable sufferings.

“With the rise in fuel oil prices, the cost of living and transportation is increasing fast,” the Jatiya Party chief said.

He also said several crore people became unemployed during the Covid pandemic, and they are now living an inhuman life. “In such a reality, raising the fuel prices is an unacceptable decision. Neighbouring India has also slashed diesel and kerosene prices.”

Also read: People facing “starving-like situation”: BNP

GM Quader said it is now imperative to reduce the cost of fuel and public transport to normalise the cost of living.

On Wednesday, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene at the retail level.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) said the petroleum prices have been readjusted against the backdrop of the price hike of petroleum in the international market.