Opposition leader and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has criticised the government’s decision to increase fuel prices, saying such a move goes against public interest.

In a post on his verified Facebook page, he said fuel prices had already been raised by 8% to 12% in a single phase last month, with some categories seeing even higher increases.

He claimed the fuel price hike had pushed up commodity prices while people’s incomes had not increased and unemployment continued to rise.

“Once again, there are attempts to increase fuel prices. Where will the helpless people go, what will they do, and how will they survive?” he wrote.

The Jamaat chief alleged that the government had assured that fuel prices would not be increased at least this month and warned that any such decision would be against public interest.

He also said that increasing fuel prices just ahead of the upcoming budget session would amount to deception if done hastily before the session begins.

Calling on people to become vocal about their rights, he said, “Rights will not be handed to anyone. Rights have to be achieved through struggle.”

Dr Shafiqur further said the deteriorating law and order situation, combined with fuel price hikes and rising commodity prices, had put the existence of the country and society under challenge.