Dhaka: Dhaka University unit of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, the student wing of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), held a demonstration today protesting the ongoing crisis of gas and electricity across the country, alongside the increasing prices of daily commodities. The protest took place in front of DU’s Raju sculpture around 6 pm, where participants used hurricane lamps, cooking pots, and pans to dramatize the event.

According to United News of Bangladesh, during the demonstration, protesters were heard chanting slogans such as ‘Bah ajob Tarique Bhai, Khamba ache current nai’ and ‘Chula ache gas nai, Bah ajob Tarique bhai.’ DU unit president of Chhatra Shakti, Tahmid Al Mudassir Chowdhury, claimed that the country has reverted to a period similar to 2002-2004 when electricity infrastructure existed without functioning electricity. He criticized the government for what he termed state extortion, highlighting prolonged power outages in villages and surging electricity bills.

Chowdhury lamented the lack of concern from civil society and opposition parties, noting that industries have been forced to reduce production due to the gas crisis. He pointed out that the residential areas in Dhaka are also affected, with people resorting to using cylinders whose prices have been rising for the past four months.

Organizing secretary Mohammad Sakib stated that despite no ongoing pandemic or recent disasters in Bangladesh, the country is facing an artificial crisis and rampant robbery since the BNP assumed office. He mentioned the unchecked price hikes of commodities and electricity bills and pointed to a persistent gas crisis affecting areas like Dhaka for over two weeks.

Sakib criticized the Prime Minister for failing to control these issues and for being preoccupied with less significant matters. He expressed disappointment in the government’s inability to manage the price hikes of essential goods such as oil, gas, and electricity.