Fuel
prices have been falling on the worldwide market since mid-November. Experts
believe that an increase in fuel prices in the international market is
unlikely. In that circumstance, the government should make a quick adjustment
to the fuel price. At the very least, the price should be restored to what it
was before November 3rd.
Last week,
the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) reduced the consumer price
of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It has reduced the price of a 12 kg LPG
cylinder from Tk 1313 to Tk 1228 including VAT. Despite the fact that the lower
price was meant to take effect on December 3rd, consumers claim that many
merchants are still selling the cylinder for a higher price. In the private
sector, a kilogram of LPG costs Tk 102.32. That equation is designed to be used
to determine the price of an LPG cylinder. Aside from that, the price of LPG
for motor vehicles has been set at Tk 57.24 per litre, down from Tk 61.18
previously. If this new price is enforced, consumers will feel slightly
relieved.
Claiming
that the reduction of LPG price will decrease people’s suffering, the BERC chairman
said a family could buy at least 2 kg of rice with the amount of money saved.
But he did not say how much the expense of people, especially of a farmer who
uses machines for irrigation, will increase because of this hike in the price of
diesel and kerosene. Increased expense in irrigation will increase the expense
in agricultural production. Though BERC fixed LPG price through a mass hearing,
BPC did not feel any necessity to take people’s opinion into cognizance before
hiking the price of diesel and kerosene. Instead, they hiked the price
unilaterally. Because of this fuel price, public transport fare has also shot
up by 28 percent.
For the
last six years, the government bought fuel at a low cost from the international
market and sold it to the people at a high price. In the process, it has earned
a huge profit. But, the government increased the price of fuel by Tk 15 per
liter when the price increased a little in the international market. At the
time, the state minister for power, energy, and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid
said they would reconsider the price if the fuel price comes down in the
international market. Several MPs from the treasury and the opposition bench
slammed the decision to increase fuel price in the last Jatiya Sangsad session
and demanded the withdrawal of the decision. In the context of the demand, finance
minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said the price will be decreased in Bangladesh if
the price comes down in the international market.
The price
of fuel is downward in the international market since mid-November. Experts
think the probability of a fuel price hike in the international market is less
likely. In that case the government should adjust the fuel price soon. At least
the price should be brought back to what was before 3 November.
Comment
Comment
Publish: 10:08 PM, 24 Mar, 2024
Comment
Publish: 10:06 PM, 24 Mar, 2024
Comment
Comment
Comment
The Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emphasized that healthcare and its improvement were crucial for the development of the country. He believed that without advancements in healthcare and its infrastructure, and without people having the right to good health, building the nation would not be possible. Therefore, Bangabandhu formulated a beautiful policy framework at that time, which was both modern and scientifically sound. Most importantly, her daughter the visionary statesperson Sheikh Hasina has been implementing those policies in the same manner as Bangabandhu initiated, based on his foundational principles.
After independence, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman gave us this instruction that for a state to prosper economically and stand firmly on its feet, the health of its people must be safeguarded. In line with this vision, he initiated the development of Bangladesh's healthcare system, laying down a blueprint for its advancement. This vision is enshrined in the constitution of Bangladesh, emphasizing the centrality of healthcare to the well-being of its citizens. Drawing inspiration from Bangabandhu's philosophy, our esteemed leader, Sheikh Hasina, continues to steer our nation, providing constant guidance and implementing effective measures to further enhance the country's healthcare system.
The Honourable Prime Minister has provided a strategic framework for medical research. Henceforth, we can develop a five-year action plan under the guidance of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC). It is imperative for doctors to show interest in medical research. Integration of research methodology into medical education curriculum is underway but requires reinforcement. Adequate evaluation mechanisms should be established for physicians committed to medical research.
The lifelong goal of the Father of the Nation was to bring smiles to the faces of the distressed people of Bangladesh. He prioritized the healthcare sector to achieve this goal. In just over three years, he took several significant steps to improve the country's healthcare system. He formulated robust constitutional policies, practical action plans, and necessary infrastructure.
The word "freedom" is our most cherished and revered term. Just as every individual dreams of freedom, thirsts for it, and holds the desire for freedom in their hearts, so too does a nation achieve its ultimate transformation and embark on the path of development through the means of freedom. Just as individual freedom develops and liberates a person, igniting the stream of their free thoughts, similarly the freedom of a nation takes all its people towards progress and modernity, ensuring the success of nation so that all citizens can enjoy its benefits. Therefore, if we analyze the history of the world, we will see that without freedom, no nation could uphold self-respect, dignity, and prosper. Thus, throughout the world, in every country, we have witnessed the aspiration for freedom, wars fought for freedom, compromises made for freedom, and people of the whole world being mobilized for freedom.