AL allies annoyed over price hikes, poor govt services

Some partners of the ruling Awami League-led 14-party alliance yesterday expressed their annoyance over price hike of daily essentials and poor government services, said sources present in the alliance's meeting yesterday.

They specially raised their voice over price hike of rice, which they claimed had tarnished the image of the government.

The partners were critical of the government in the meeting held at AL president's Dhanmondi office with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) General Secretary Shirin Akter in the chair.

Insiders said in the meeting, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon, also the civil aviation and tourism minister, Samyabadi Dal General Secretary Dilip Barua and Jatiya Party (JP-Manju) presidium member Ejaj Ahmed Mukta criticised the government for the increase of rice prices.

Dilip Barua said price hike of rice tarnished the image of the government as it failed to contain the spiralling prices. He also said hike of rice price would impact on votes in the next general election.

Ejaj Ahmed said the government should immediately identify the people and the syndicates behind the price hike.

Meanwhile, on June 28 in parliament, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina blamed dishonest business people and sudden flashfloods in the haor regions for the recent hike in rice prices.

National Awami Party (NAP) Joint General Secretary Ismail Hossain criticised the poor services the government was delivering and said nobody was getting services without paying money.

He also said people were not getting proper services and they had to face various problems to get government services.

He suggested ensuring quality services to regain the image of the government.

Talking to journalists, AL presidium member Mohammed Nasim, also the health minister, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina suspended implementation of new VAT law, prioritising people's desire.

"The Awami League government is working for the wellbeing of the people, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina understands their feelings," he added.