Dhaka: Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Wednesday said the government may consider adjusting fuel prices if the ongoing conflict in the Middle East prolongs. Addressing a press briefing at the Press Information Department in the Secretariat, he also warned that action will be taken against those responsible for failure to prevent deaths from measles and that mob violence will not be tolerated at all.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Zahed emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East situation, noting that tensions involving shipping routes and Iran could impact the global energy market negatively if the conflict continues. He stated that while there is no immediate plan for a fuel price hike in April, prolonged disruptions might necessitate adjustments due to the difficulty in maintaining subsidies.
Zahed clarified that any decision regarding fuel price adjustments would depend on the evolving global situation. He urged the media to avoid misinterpreting his remarks, emphasizing that adjustments may be necessary but are not certain. He also highlighted the pressure caused by temporary disruptions at Eastern Refinery Limited, the country's only state-owned refinery, and the delayed arrival of a crucial fuel shipment from Saudi Arabia.
The government is proactively increasing imports of refined fuel and building reserves to mitigate potential crises, Zahed said. This issue has been a subject of discussion at a high-level meeting with the Prime Minister. Acknowledging the visible strain on consumers, with long queues at petrol pumps, Zahed noted that vehicles are buying fuel more frequently or in larger quantities than necessary, exacerbating supply issues.
On the topic of measles, Zahed vowed strict accountability, warning that those responsible for preventable deaths will face action. Investigations are underway for each death linked to preventable diseases, as the government works to contain the outbreak. The nationwide immunisation drive is ongoing, though immediate results may not be visible. Zahed stressed the importance of addressing gaps in vaccine coverage and improving hospital support for patients despite resource constraints.
Addressing mob violence, Zahed stated that the government is taking recent incidents seriously and will not tolerate lawlessness. He highlighted the government's zero-tolerance policy and expressed concern over a trend of organized gatherings for attacks or blockades, labeling them as organized crimes rather than spontaneous mob actions. Citing a recent incident in Kushtia, he confirmed that legal action is underway.
In response to questions about a recent arrest over a social media post, Zahed acknowledged the need for caution and clearer guidelines in such cases. He mentioned plans to form a panel of lawyers to review cases before arrests to ensure proper verification. Zahed also expressed concerns over the spread of misinformation and hate speech on social media.