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An 11-party political alliance staged a rally and laid siege to the Secretariat on Wednesday, protesting the ongoing electricity and gas crisis, “ghost” power bills, and the sharp rise in prices of essential commodities.
Leaders and activists of the alliance marched from different parts of the capital and gathered on the roads in front of the Secretariat, chanting slogans against energy shortages, inflated utility bills, and the rising cost of living.
Security was tightened in the area, with additional law enforcement personnel deployed around the Secretariat premises. During the programme, alliance leaders presented their 11-point demand charter and urged the government to implement them immediately.
Key demands include holding public hearings on alleged “ghost” electricity bills collected over the past three months, compensating affected consumers, scrapping demand charges and other “unjustified” fees in prepaid and postpaid meters, and ensuring automatic refunds of excess charges. They also called for full transparency in the billing system and enforcement of a “no gas, no bill” policy.
The alliance further demanded increased gas exploration and production, an investigation into the failure of the Maheshkhali LNG terminal along with publication of findings, and measures to stop system losses and theft in the gas sector.
Ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply for industries and power generation, adequate LPG and CNG supply, and strict action against corruption in the energy sector were also among their demands.
On the issue of essential commodities, leaders alleged that market syndicates, hoarding, and artificial shortages were driving up prices, severely affecting general people. They called on the government to strengthen market monitoring, protect consumer rights, establish a fair market system for farmers and consumers, and stabilize prices in line with people’s purchasing power.
Speakers at the programme warned that if the 11-point demands are not met promptly, the alliance will announce tougher movement in the coming days.