Published: 12:33 AM, 13 May 2026
Jamaat Ameer slams rampant syndicates over price hike
Jamaat-E-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman addressed a seminar on global energy crisis in Dhaka city on Monday. AA
Opposition Leader and Jamaat-E-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Monday blamed "political syndicates" for the ongoing fuel supply crisis, along with the impact of the Middle East war centered on Iran.
He complained that ruling party Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has long been behind major syndicates in the country, including in the energy sector. He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Impact of the global energy crisis on Bangladesh's agriculture: ways forward" at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital. The event was organized by the Agriculturist Forum of Bangladesh.
Describing the energy sector as being in "distress", Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said, "Every major syndicate has the backing of the ruling party. That has not changed."
The Jamaat Ameer added that statements by government leaders in parliament create the impression that the country is "floating on oil", while in reality, people are queuing for miles without getting fuel. "Oil exists only in parliament, not in Bangladesh," he said. He advised the government to build buffer stocks to address the crisis and ensure transparency in demand management.
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman suggested maintaining at least 60 to 90 days of fuel reserves, breaking syndicates, and focusing on alternative energy sources, particularly solar power.
>>Saiful Alam, AA
