Dhaka: Prime Minister's Office Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Monday said the government has made a limited adjustment to fuel prices in line with global market trends.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Mahdi Amin emphasized that Bangladesh's reliance on fuel imports means that any changes in global prices have direct implications for the country's economy. "As we do not produce fuel internally, we are fully dependent on imports. So, any global price increase directly affects us. The adjustment has been made in line with international market conditions, and the increase is limited," he stated during a press conference at the PMO.
In response to inquiries, Mahdi Amin explained that Bangladesh had postponed adjusting fuel prices longer than many other nations, despite mounting international pressure. "Oil prices have increased across the world since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. Many countries have already raised prices, while Bangladesh is among those that adjusted them relatively late," he added.
The PMO spokesperson stressed that despite the recent adjustments, fuel prices in Bangladesh remain lower compared to several neighboring countries, aiding in the management of inflation. "Overall, as global oil supply and prices are changing, Bangladesh has made a limited price adjustment in line with international trends," he noted.
Mahdi Amin elaborated that the recent adjustment took into account global fuel supply conditions and rising international prices. The press conference, held at the Karobi Hall of the Prime Minister's Office, was intended to brief the media on various public-oriented initiatives and programs directed by the Prime Minister for smooth Eid-ul-Azha celebrations.
Addressing another query, Mahdi Amin spoke about the government's efforts under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership over the past three months to fulfill the expectations of a truly accountable government. He also responded to remarks made by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj regarding Dhaka University, which drew strong reactions from university teachers and students. He emphasized the historic role of Dhaka University and other public universities in Bangladesh's major democratic and political movements.
"The contribution of Dhaka University and other public universities is deeply embedded in Bangladesh's history - from the Language Movement and the 1969 Mass Uprising to the Liberation War, the anti-autocracy movement of 1990, and the July mass uprising," Mahdi Amin stated. He acknowledged that many individuals in key state positions are products of these institutions, based on their merit and competence.
Mahdi Amin further remarked on the growth of the private university sector since its inception during former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's government in 1992 and its significant progress. He noted the crucial role private universities played during the July movement, emphasizing a unified national education system where institutions complement rather than compete with one another.
"As an elected government, we believe that what matters is not which university someone attended, but their honesty, competence, and merit," he stated, affirming the government's vision for a discrimination-free Bangladesh where talent and qualifications receive due recognition.
In response to a question about the buffalo named after US President Donald Trump at the National Zoo, Mahdi Amin reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining stability, law and order, and social harmony, avoiding unnecessary controversies. He characterized the handling of the matter as a prudent decision made through appropriate government channels.
The press conference was also attended by Prime Minister's Speechwriter Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretaries Jahidul Islam Rony and Md Suzauddhowla (Sujon Mahmud), and Assistant Press Secretaries Nazmul Haque Khan and Abdullah Al Mahmud Shahriar.