The Communist Party of Bangladesh holds a torch procession, protesting against the increase in electricity prices and urging the government to withdraw the increased power tariff, in front of its central office at Purana Paltan in Dhaka on Thursday. | New Age photo

Different opposition political parties on Thursday staged rallies and processions in Dhaka and Rajshahi protesting against the latest increase in power prices.

They said that the tariff hike would raise the prices of essential commodities and worsen the sufferings of common people.

The parties called on the government to withdraw the increased power tariff immediately.

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at a protest rally in Dhaka alleged that the government had increased electricity prices to fulfil conditions set by the International Monetary Fund, ignoring the interests of the people.

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami bring out a procession, protesting against the latest increase in fuel oil and electricity prices, from in front of the north gate of Baitul Mukarram in Dhaka on Thursday.  — New Age photo

The Jamaat organised the rally in front of the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Addressing the gathering, party secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said that the latest electricity price hike was imposed to satisfy the IMF.

The Communist Party of Bangladesh also held a rally in front of its central office at Purana Paltan. CPB general secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan and leader Sazzad Zahir Chandan addressed the programme.

They demanded immediate withdrawal of the power price hike. A torch procession was later brought out and paraded through different city roads.

The National Citizen Party also organised a torch procession from in front of its central office at Bangla Motor, demanding cancellation of the increased electricity tariff.

The procession marched through different roads in the capital.

New Age Staff Correspondent from Rajshahi reported that Jamaat leaders and activists staged demonstrations in Rajshahi protesting against the recent increases in fuel, gas and electricity prices.

They held a rally at Saheb Bazar Zero Point and later brought out a procession to press home their demands.

Addressing the rally, Jamaat leaders said that the price hikes would place additional burdens on consumers already struggling with rising living costs.