Across Bangladesh, frustration is boiling over. With every litre costing more, people from all walks of life are taking to the streets to voice their concerns. The fuel price hike protest in Bangladesh has sparked a wave of demonstrations, road blockades, and national conversations — all centered on how rising petrol and diesel prices are impacting livelihoods. Today, we dive deep into the heart of the issue, covering the causes of the fuel price surge and the stories behind the protests rocking the nation.
Fuel Price Hike Protest in Bangladesh: What’s Happening?
In recent weeks, the fuel price hike protest in Bangladesh has intensified following the government’s decision to increase petrol to BDT 130/litre and diesel to BDT 114/litre. The move, announced by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), cited global crude oil price volatility, currency devaluation, and subsidy reduction as key reasons.
The response? Swift and widespread. Students, transport workers, farmers, and civil rights groups have staged demonstrations in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and rural areas. Protesters are calling for immediate reversal of the price hike and long-term reforms in energy policy to protect the common citizen.
Key Areas Affected by Protests
The fuel price hike protest in Bangladesh has led to significant disruptions:
- Road Blockades: Major highways including Dhaka-Mymensingh and Dhaka-Chittagong were blocked for several hours, delaying logistics and public transportation.
- School Closures: Some educational institutions temporarily shut down to avoid unrest and ensure student safety.
- Public Transport Halt: Strikes by transport workers caused a standstill in several districts, affecting daily commuters.
- Business Losses: Markets in protest-hit areas saw reduced footfall, affecting small vendors and retailers.
Police have been deployed in high numbers to maintain law and order, with a few minor clashes reported. The government has urged restraint and dialogue, but tensions remain high.
Why Did Fuel Prices Increase?
The fuel price increase is rooted in several economic and geopolitical factors:
- Global Oil Market: Instability in major oil-producing countries and OPEC decisions have driven up prices.
- BDT Devaluation: The weakening of the Taka against the US Dollar raised the cost of oil imports.
- Reduction in Subsidies: The government is scaling back on subsidies to balance fiscal deficits.
- Energy Transition: Officials argue that price hikes will push people toward cleaner alternatives and help rationalize fuel usage.
Despite these justifications, critics argue that the poorest segments of society are being disproportionately affected, while alternative fuel infrastructure remains inadequate.
Voices from the Ground
At the core of the fuel price hike protest in Bangladesh are the stories of everyday people. Rickshaw pullers speak of earning less than they spend on food. Farmers lament rising irrigation costs. Urban workers are forced to walk long distances or skip work altogether.
Civic organizations have called for immediate intervention, including increased subsidies, promotion of electric vehicles, and expansion of solar-powered solutions in rural areas.
Government Response and What’s Next
The Ministry of Energy has stated that the hike is temporary and tied to global economic conditions. A task force has been formed to assess the situation and recommend solutions. In Parliament, opposition leaders have demanded urgent debates and a rollback of the hike.
Talks are underway with transport unions and civil society groups to explore relief packages or revised pricing for specific sectors such as agriculture and public transport. Whether these measures will cool public anger remains to be seen.
FAQs: Fuel Price Hike and Protests
Why did fuel prices increase in Bangladesh?
Due to global oil price spikes, BDT devaluation, and subsidy cuts, the government raised fuel prices to manage the economic burden.
What are the new fuel prices in Bangladesh?
As of now, petrol is priced at BDT 130/litre and diesel at BDT 114/litre.
Which areas are most affected by the protests?
Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and several rural areas have seen major protests and transport disruptions.
What actions is the government taking?
A task force has been created, and negotiations are ongoing with unions to explore possible relief or pricing adjustments.
Are the protests peaceful?
Most protests are peaceful, but there have been a few instances of minor clashes and arrests.
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জুমবাংলা নিউজ সবার আগে পেতে Follow করুন জুমবাংলা গুগল নিউজ, জুমবাংলা টুইটার , জুমবাংলা ফেসবুক, জুমবাংলা টেলিগ্রাম এবং সাবস্ক্রাইব করুন জুমবাংলা ইউটিউব চ্যানেলে।
