Staff Reporter:
Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman yesterday said funds looted by the banned political party Awami League might have been used to finance violence and sabotage during the ongoing workers’ movement.
He said those engaging in violent activities could not be associated with ordinary workers, as the government had formed a wage board ahead of schedule, taking into account the rising cost of living and inflation affecting garment workers.
He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a press briefing held at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at the Secretariat here.
Referring to the movement and acts of sabotage regarding the garment sector, the adviser said the government had formed the wage board ahead of the scheduled time out of respect for the workers’ legitimate demands. Therefore, there should no longer be any justification for the workers’ movement or demands, he added.
Citing intelligence information, he said the fascist network or the banned party is spending a large amount of money looted during its previous tenure to create sabotage in different places.
“The government and the administration are prepared to firmly resist such attempts,” he said.
Regarding rumours about Sheikh Hasina’s return to the country, he said the government did not believe that violence is being orchestrated to pave the way for her return in December. However, he said the government would not obstruct her if she wished to return through the legal process.
He also said the police force had been moved away from the culture of indiscriminate or excessive use of force that prevailed during the previous regime.
He noted that police had the legal authority to use force depending on the situation, but stressed that such action must be carried out in accordance with relevant rules.
Responding to a question about the rising prices of fuel and cooking gas (LPG or LNG), the adviser said international fuel prices and the cost of LNG imports had increased significantly.
The government is providing record subsidies to the power and energy sectors, he said, adding that it had to take certain economic decisions considering the additional pressure on the economy and the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
“Somebody has to bear this pressure. We must keep in mind that the government’s capacity to provide subsidies is gradually declining,” he said.
He said the government is taking these measures keeping in view the long-term welfare of the people and the country’s economic capacity.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Shah Alam and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed were present at the briefing.
