Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat has blamed the former interim government for the country’s ongoing gas shortages, alleging that its decisions caused extensive damage to the economy and energy sector during its tenure.
Speaking at a programme in Jamalpur’s Bakshiganj upazila on Friday (16 October), the minister claimed that the interim administration had caused severe damage in just 18 months, adding to the problems left behind by the previous Awami League government.
“The fascist government caused damage over 17 years, but the damage inflicted by the interim government in just a year and a half is beyond description,” Millat said.
“Even government officials are aware of this, which is why we are currently facing a lack of gas,” he added.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of a social protection programme and a tree fair organised by the Bakshiganj upazila administration, where he attended as chief guest.
Criticising the former interim administration’s political intentions, Millat alleged that it had sought to prolong its stay in power by maintaining instability and obstructing the electoral process.
“They likely had a different agenda. They wanted to maintain an unstable situation in the country so that they could prolong their stay in power. Their strategy was designed to prevent elections from taking place. Fortunately, Almighty Allah has saved us,” he said.
The minister also criticised those encouraging public protests against the government, claiming that some groups were attempting to exploit economic difficulties to create unrest.
Referring to fuel prices abroad, he claimed that diesel costs around Tk350 per litre in parts of Europe, while certain groups in Bangladesh were encouraging protests without sufficient justification.
He further alleged that coordinated online networks, including automated accounts or “bots”, were spreading misleading information to undermine public confidence in the government and administration.
Millat urged citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation and sought journalists’ cooperation in countering what he described as organised propaganda.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public welfare, the minister said efforts were underway to restore normalcy and provide relief to people facing economic difficulties.
He also adopted a firm stance against drug-related activities, warning that no political affiliation would shield anyone involved in the illegal drug trade.
The minister said his party would take disciplinary action, including expulsion, against members found involved in wrongdoing.
He called for cooperation from the public and local authorities to support the government’s efforts to address existing challenges.
Following the programme, Millat planted an Arjun tree sapling on the upazila parishad premises.
He also distributed government assistance to Durga Puja mandaps, handed over saplings to students and presented financial assistance cheques to disadvantaged and vulnerable residents.
The event, held at the Bakshiganj Upazila Auditorium, was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Murad Hossain.
Among those present were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Asma Ul Husna, Upazila Agriculture Officer Aminul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police (Dewanganj Circle) Junaid Afrad and Bakshiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mokbul Hossain.
Local BNP leaders, including Upazila President Alhaj Manik Saudagar, General Secretary Zahidul Islam Prince, Municipal President Advocate Anisuzzaman Gama and General Secretary Saiful Islam Shakil Talukdar, also attended.
Leaders of the Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal and Swechasebak Dal were among the other participants.