Corruption only reason behind price hike: BNP

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today alleged that corruption by ministers and Awami League leaders is the only reason behind the rise in prices of key commodities.

“Awami League leaders and ministers are amassing wealth by indulging in corruption...the price of soybean oil is soaring as most businessmen engaged in oil business belong to the Awami League,” he said.

Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said the LPG prices have also been raised as one of Prime Minister’s advisers is involved with a company that imports the LPG, reports UNB.

He said fuel prices have been hiked and that of medicines are also on the rise. More worrying is that the health sector is on the verge of collapse due to widespread corruption, Fakhrul added.

“There has been no trial of those who've pocketed money in the name of land acquisition for a university in the Education Minister’s constituency in Chandpur. Now corruption by the government is everywhere along with its incompetence.”

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club protesting the "unbridled" price hike of essential commodities.

Fakhrul said ordinary people have been going through miserable sufferings due to the continuous rise in rice, pulse, oil and other commodity prices, and the tariffs of electricity, gas and water.

He alleged that the government has been conspiring to establish a monarchy in the country by snatching people’s rights.