Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman yesterday blamed “political syndicates” for the ongoing fuel supply crisis, along with the impact of the Middle East war centred on Iran.
He alleged that the ruling 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 organised by the Agriculturist Forum of Bangladesh.
Describing the energy sector as being in “distress”, Shafiqur Rahman said, “Every major syndicate has the backing of the ruling party. That has not changed.”
He 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.
He suggested maintaining at least 60 to 90 days of fuel reserves, breaking syndicates, and focusing on alternative energy sources, particularly solar power.
Expressing disappointment over parliamentary proceedings, he said although not all hopes have been dashed, parliament has yet to deliver anything significantly beneficial for the country. “Lawmaking in the interest of the people should be the essence of parliamentary democracy, but reality reflects otherwise,” he added.
Criticising the overall system, he said, “The entire society is now running on patchwork and cosmetic fixes.” He also claimed that in sectors like banking, profits are being shown on paper despite a lack of actual cash.
He stressed the need to build a merit-based, not politicised, society.
The Jamaat ameer also voiced concern over the situation at the Krishibid Institution, alleging attempts at a “coup-like takeover” similar to that at the BCB. He questioned why forceful leadership capture would occur in a body of professionals.
Highlighting the importance of agriculture, he warned, “If agriculture survives, the country survives.”
He said the fuel shortage is hampering irrigation, posing a serious threat to food security. A collapse in agriculture, he noted, would mean a collapse of the nation, which cannot be remedied by foreign aid.
He also warned that if the path of syndicates, fascism, and coercion continues, they will resist it with all their strength.
A paper presented at the seminar, chaired by ATM Mahbub-e-Elahi, noted that around 18 percent of the country’s total energy is used in agriculture, and the ongoing crisis could severely disrupt Boro cultivation.
