PM Tarique calls for restraint in fuel use as government continues ‘heavy subsidies’

Tarique says the government is trying to keep the situation stable even by spending billions on daily fuel subsidies

Amid an ongoing global energy crunch, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on citizens to exercise restraint in fuel consumption, urging moderation from state ceremonies to household use.

Speaking on Thursday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium during the Independence Award ceremony, the premier said the government was working to keep the situation stable despite mounting external pressures.

Citing the impact of the global crisis, he said fuel prices had risen across the world, but the government had refrained from increasing domestic prices to ease public hardship.

“Even though fuel prices have gone up in all countries, this government has not raised prices to avoid public suffering. We are trying to maintain stability by providing subsidies worth billions of taka every day,” he said.

He added that ensuring public convenience remained a top priority.

“All possible efforts are being made to safeguard people’s interests. This is a government of the people, accountable to them,” he said.

Appealing for restraint, he said: “I want to assure the people that there is no reason for concern. However, I request everyone to avoid extravagance in state ceremonies and also to reduce unnecessary expenditure at the family level.”

During the event, Tarique formally handed over the Independence Award -- the country’s highest civilian honour -- to 15 individuals, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and five organisations for their outstanding contributions to the country’s independence and national achievements.

He also outlined broader governance priorities, saying the new administration had inherited a “fragile economy”, weakened governance structures, and a deteriorating law-and-order situation due to corruption and mismanagement.

Restoring stability through strict control of corruption and improving public safety, he said, remained key priorities.