Govt to be tougher against fuel hoarding, smuggling
The government will take tougher measures against fuel hoarding and smuggling as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday, March 28, directed the authorities concerned to act against those creating an artificial oil crisis in the country.
He gave the directives chairing the meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party at the Ruling Party’s Meeting Room at the Parliament Secretariat this afternoon, a day before the first session of the 13th parliament will resume after a 14-day recess.
Tarique Rahman, also the Leader of the House, asked the Members of Parliament (MPs) to be vigilant against the artificial fuel crisis and price hike, said Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni while talking to reporters after the meeting.
“Our leader has given a directive to the MPs to remain vigilant everywhere so that fuel price would not go high and the government, in coordination with the district administration and other (field-level) administrations, can take action wherever necessary,” he said.
The Prime Minister also directed the Power, Energy and Mineral Resource Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to deliver a speech under Section 300 of the Rules of Procedure in the House on Sunday with a tough message against the fuel hoarding.
The Chief Whip said the government provides Tk 200 crore subsidy every month to keep fuel prices under control. “The government is trying to keep the price of oil stable by subsidising about 200 crore taka every month. But some unscrupulous syndicates are trying to create an artificial crisis,” he said.
Noting that fuel is smuggled from the country due to higher prices in a neighbouring country, the Chief Whip informed that the Prime Minister asked the Home Minister to take tough action against fuel smuggling.
“Besides, operations will be conducted against those who hoard fuel or try to create an artificial crisis simultaneously,” said Nurul Islam while raising the PM’s directives given in the meeting.
The House will also be informed that there is an adequate fuel supply to the country as ships carrying some 200,000 metric tonnes of oil have already anchored at the port, while ships with another 200,000 metric tonnes of fuel will come soon.
“So, there is no crisis in fuel supply,” he said, adding that the artificial crisis was created due to media reports, purchase of additional fuel by the people and fuel smuggling.
The Chief Whip said the meeting also discussed the causes of the Daulatdia ferry accident and recent railway accidents, as explained by the road transport minister. Measures taken following bus accidents were also reviewed.
“Discussions were held on why such accidents occur and what steps have been taken to prevent them in the future,” he added.
Nurul Islam said various issues, including parliamentary activities, were discussed at the meeting, while the Leader of the House provided directive guidance to lawmakers.
The meeting was adjourned and will resume at 1:30 pm on Sunday.
Replying to a question about the formation of parliamentary standing committees, the Chief Whip said that although the issue was not discussed in detail on Saturday, a decision is expected at Sunday’s meeting.
Source: UNB