News Desk :
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday said that the government will take measures to reduce the prices of diesel and kerosene after the international market stabilises.
The Minister made the remarks while responding to the press following two separate meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP).
Kamal said that the government, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, took all necessary steps to keep the country’s economic momentum up and also provided support to those affected.
When asked whether the government would consider lowering fuel prices following a downtrend in the global market, he said.
Citing an example that fuel price often witnesses an increase of $2 and then in the next moment suffers a fall of $20, Kamal further said that the concerned Ministry and the State Minister would take steps accordingly when oil prices come to a stable condition.
Replying to another question about the government’s steps against money launderers, he said that he had sought specific information about the culprits several times and subsequently steps have been taken.
He added that following media reports, the Bangladesh Bank and the concerned agencies are working to ensure that the culprits are brought to book and get punished.
Meanwhile, Kamal further added that he would face the media one day and then reveal in details about the money launderers and what kind of steps have been taken against them.
“I personally can take no action against the money launders and I’ve no mechanism of my own.
Earlier, the Minister said that those who are committing corruption are being punished and being sent to jail in different terms.
“The judiciary and the concerned agencies will take action against them……the government is taking necessary steps in this regard.”
It may be mentioned that on 3 November, the government raised the prices of diesel and kerosene by Tk15 per litre prompting the transporters to enforce an indefinite strike in the country on 7 November demanding a hike in bus fares.
Amid the worsening public woes caused by the transport strike, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority had raised the bus fares of intra-city and inter-district buses by 26.5% and 27% respectively.
