BNP has strongly protested the government's decision to hike the price of cylindered liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), describing the move as "illogical and anti-people".

Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to party founder Ziaur Rahman today, party Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said lack of accountability allowed the interim government to make such a decision.

Earlier, Rizvi and the leaders of the newly formed convening committee of BNP's Manikganj district unit placed wreaths at Zia's grave.

"This decision will put immense pressure on low-income and poor people, such as rickshaw pullers, CNG drivers and small shopkeepers," he said.

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12kg LPG cylinder to cost Tk 19 more Price now Tk 1,478

The BNP argued that the price hike of the cylindered gas, which is used for household purposes, will exert serious strain on the economy. "It will burden the poor. This decision is completely unjustified and anti-people. It would not have occurred had there been an elected government," he said.

The BNP leader also said their party and other democratic groups have been supporting the interim government, but warned that no undemocratic measures should be taken that would cause further hardship for the poor and low-income people.

He voiced concern that the prices of all essential items, including rice, have already exceeded the purchasing power of the poor. "In such circumstances, raising the price of the gas cylinder will only add salt to the wound of the people."

On Sunday, the government raised the price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk 19, with the new retail price set at Tk 1,478.