Not even Tk 1 hike justified, says Zonayed Saki at BERC hearing

Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of the Ganasanghati Andolan, fiercely opposed a proposed gas price surge at a public hearing hosted by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Wednesday afternoon at the BIAM Auditorium in the capital. 

With businesses already reeling, Saki argued, “There’s no reason to raise gas prices from Tk 30 to Tk 75—let alone by a single taka.”

“Expensive energy kills investment,” Saki warned. “Bangladesh has huge potential, but this hike will choke it. The interim government should halt these hearings—or open them fully to the public.” 

He slammed the lack of accountability, noting that post-2018 decisions often came “through revelation” rather than reason. “BERC’s alive again after the coup—it needs to prove it,” he added.

Saki called for action over price tweaks: “Dig new wells, pipeline gas, tackle theft—system loss is just a fancy word for corruption. Slash it, and we save billions. Root out energy sector graft instead of burdening industries.” He urged long-term planning through public dialogue, not knee-jerk hikes.

The hearing, attended by BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed, members Md Abdur Razzak, Md Mizanur Rahman, Dr Syeda Sultana Razia, and Brig Gen (Retd) Mohammad Shahid Sarwar, drew a diverse crowd—business owners, industrialists, activists, journalists, and lawyers. 

It followed proposals from Petrobangla and six distributors, including Titas Gas, to spike industrial gas rates to Tk 75.72 from Tk 30 and captive prices from Tk 31.50 to Tk 75.72, citing LNG import costs (Tk 65.70 per cubic meter, rising to Tk 75.72 with taxes) and a looming subsidy crunch.

With demand at 4,000 million cubic feet—half from local fields, 25 per cent imported LNG—Petrobangla warned of growing reliance on imports as domestic supply fades. 

BERC’s technical team is now dissecting the plan, but Saki’s fiery stance has ignited a broader debate on fairness and economic survival.