Govt keeps fuel prices unchanged considering public hardship: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said that the government has not taken any decision to increase fuel prices considering public suffering.

“Fuel oil prices have been raised in many countries across the world, but Bangladesh has so far refrained from doing so in order to ease pressure on people. Even by providing hundreds of crores in subsidies every day in this sector, the government is sincerely trying to maintain normal conditions,” he said.

He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, after handing over medals to the recipients of the “Independence Award-2026”.

He said it is important to properly remember the contributions of national leaders with due respect beyond partisan interests, warning that otherwise future generations and history would not forgive negligence.

Calling for national unity and tolerance, the prime minister said revenge, hostility or unnecessary debate should not be prioritised in building a prosperous Bangladesh.

He also said a certain group still waits for opportunities to act against national interests, adding that maintaining unity and avoiding internal division is essential.

In his speech, he said the Independence Award is given every year in recognition of significant contributions in fields including the Liberation War, education, science and technology, medicine, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service and public administration.

The government this year conferred the prestigious award on 15 distinguished persons, including former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and five institutions in recognition of their outstanding contribution to respective fields at the national level.