After the show cause, LPG prices are getting higher



Serajul Islam Siraj, Special Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

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Earlier Tk. 50-70 excess than the fixed rate was collected. Now there are reports of LP gas being sold at a higher price of Tk. 100 to Tk. 200 depending on the place.

In this month, the maximum retail price of a 12 kg cylinder has been set at Tk. 1284, but Omera Group dealers in Rangpur are charging Tk. 1330 and Beximco Group dealers are charging Tk. 1350. Sellers are selling at Tk. 1400 by adding Tk. 50. Again, there are reports of sales at the rate of Tk. 1500 in some areas.

Neither the retailers nor the dealers, the importers themselves comply with the fixed rates announced by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). Bashundhara LPG, Omera LPG, Total LPG and United Group's Unigas are not paying attention for keeping higher prices. After multiple rounds of notices, only Omera Group responded. And a few months later, Total asked for time to respond. Total and United were condemned on July 11, while Omera and Bashundhara were condemned by BERC on May 22.

Omera, in its reply, said that they mentioned the transport cost and distributor's commission on the invoice. Adjust this amount later. Others are still ignoring BERC's letter. Others, including Omera, have continued to sell at higher prices than before.

In July, 12 kg cylinders were sold at dealer level at Tk 924, but United LPG sold at Tk 1074, Total Gas at Tk. 1019, BERC found evidence. On the other hand, Bashundhara was condemned for selling at a higher price of Tk. 50 and Omera at a higher price of Tk. 75.

United LPG Limited AGM Raisa told Barta24.com that BERC fixed the rates on 3rd, subject to system updates. Do we stop selling until then?

As per the BERC guidelines, the new rates are to be effective from 6 pm on the 3rd. The invoice is dated 5th, for the sake of argument, if we assume the previous month's rate, it is also an average. In the previous month (June) it was supposed to be sold to the distributor for Tk. 1002. And the highest retail price was Tk. 1074. So does United LPG never pay distributor and retailer commission. When asked such a question, she did not answer.

BERC Chairman Nurul Amin told Barta24.com, I was out of the country, no updates are known at this moment. I have heard that some companies have responded to the complaint. Their answers will be scrutinized, and legal action will be taken against those who don't.

Asked what kind of action is available, he said, "They are our licensees, we have the power to cancel their license."

He said, no one is above the law. Everyone has to sell LP gas at fixed rate. Importers objected to the dollar rate, so we increased it there. Some other places are also given benefits. Even then those who do not comply with the price will not be given a discount.

He said, we have strengthened the drives. On the 4th of this month, I conducted an operation with the magistrate in Narayanganj. I raided Gazipur again on September 9, where a distributor was fined Tk. 50,000. Two retailers were also fined. Now I went and saw that it will not happen. If any irregularity is found, immediate punishment will be given.

The question was that the big culprits are the importers; they are the ones charging higher prices. What do distributors and retailers have to do? In response, BERC chairman said, we sent a team to the market and conducted a survey. Those committing this crime will not be spared. We will definitely bring them under the law.

On April 12, 2021, BERC announced the first LP gas price. Then a total commission of Tk. 359.40 per 12 kg cylinder was fixed for LPG importers, dealers and retailers. Loab (LPG Importers' Association) raised objections on the amount of commission on the same day of price announcement. They also put pressure on BERC by boycotting monthly rate announcements. Loab president Azam J Chowdhury even threatened to stop the import of LPG. BERC was forced to increase the commission from Tk. 359 to Tk. 441 on October 10 after 7 months. Still, companies are charging higher prices.

After the announcement of the first rate, BERC had said that it would take some time to adapt to the new system. Everything will be fine with time. Two and a half years have passed, and now there is more decline than improvement day by day.

BERC was just a stickler for retailers. After the new chairman joined the commission, this is the first time it has looked at the LPG Company. Even then, the violence has not subsided. This constitutional institution looks very helpless. Not only importers but also many government companies are not willing to pay attention to it. Some have called it the Paper Tiger.

   

Analysis: Is compromise possible if the schedule is extended?



Ishtiaq Hussein, Special Correspondent, Barta24.com
photo: Barta24

photo: Barta24

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Thursday (November 30) was the last day to submit nomination papers for the 12th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) elections. There was a curiosity among the common people throughout the day whether the BNP would come to the polls even before the submission of nomination papers.

Because of that curiosity, many were eagerly waiting to see if BNP submits nomination papers today. But in the end, the BNP did not submit any nomination papers today. Although there was enthusiasm among the common people to know more about the issue, political analysts already understood that BNP is not coming to the elections because even on the last day of submission of nomination papers, they observed hartal. Moreover, there is no preparation for the BNP to go to the elections.

Most of the central leaders, including the party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, are now in jail. In this situation, it is impossible to have a dialogue about the election because there is no leader outside the prison to speak for dialogue.

It is being talked about whether the main opposition party BNP will come to the election after the deadline for submission of nomination papers or whether there is any chance of compromise. At the end of day, no nomination papers have been submitted by the BNP. Does that mean the 12th JS elections are going to be held without the BNP? However, several election commissioners repeatedly said that if BNP comes to the polls, the schedule will be changed.

Political analysts said that the schedule is still possible to change. And the Election Commission also has that power. However, there is a constitutional obligation to hold elections within 90 days. Normally 45 days should be allowed from the announcement of schedule till the day of election. As such, there is one week left until election day.

Constitutional experts said that the election schedule can be postponed till December 12. The matter completely depends on the Election Commission. However, if BNP does not come to the election, then the discussion is going on about what is the benefit of delaying the schedule.

Political analysts said that since BNP's central leaders are in jail, those who are out are not coming out in public. In this situation, there is no situation for discussion or dialogue. In the political environment that is prevailing now, or from any foreign country, there is still no open activity in this regard.

Analysts said the schedule may be changed even after the deadline for filing nominations has crossed. The schedule is not only changed, the Election Commission can also cancel it if it wants. In that case, the commission will have to take a very bold decision. No such decision has been taken by any commission in the past.

On the other hand, there is no other initiative from the ruling Awami League. However, the General Secretary of the party, Obaidul Quader, said that if the Election Commission adjusts the schedule keeping in mind the deadline, it is a matter for the Election Commission. That is, a green signal was given by the government. After Thursday, it can be assumed that that possibility has also weakened.

Meanwhile, Raushan Ershad, the chief patron of Jatiya Party, one of the partners of the government, had already demanded rescheduling. However, it is assumed that this claim of Raushan Ershad will not prevail at all with the government.

However, EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley and ambassadors of seven European countries visited the Election Commission on Wednesday and held a meeting. At the end of the meeting, the ambassadors spoke of democratic, credible, peaceful and participatory elections. However, the Election Commission has also clarified the issue of holding elections as part of their constitutional obligations.

BNP leaders, however, said that since they are agitating for the resignation of the government, they are not concerned about whether the schedule is delayed or not. Member of the BNP standing committee Abdul Moin Khan said, they want a fair, impartial and inclusive election. Extending the deadline for submission of nominations here will not achieve their claim.

All things considered and the BNP-Awami League's adamant stance, it is clear that there will be no compromise between the two parties if the schedule is changed. For this we want sincere initiative and unconditional dialogue.

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Wife and brother will fight against ‘boat’ candidate in Narsingdi-2 seat



District Correspondent, Barta24.com, Narshingdi
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photo: Collected

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Narsingdi-2 (Palash) Constituency in the 12th JS Election, Awami League boat Dr. Anwarul Ashraf Khan (Dilip) will have to face his wife and president of Palash Upazila Mahila League Afroza Sultana (Afroza Dilip) and younger brother Kamrul Ashraf Khan Poton, former member of parliament and senior vice president of Palash Upazila Awami League, who submitted nomination papers as independent candidates.

This information was made known through the Narsingdi District Returning Officer's office and the Deputy Commissioner's office on the last day of submission of nomination papers announced by the Election Commission on Thursday (November 30).

It is known that the Narsingdi-2 (Palash) seat was of BNP nominated candidate from 1991 to 2006. Abdul Moin Khan was in possession. Palash Upazila Awami League president in 2008 election Anwarul Ashraf Khan (Dilip) won the seat for the first time in Parliament.

Later, in the 2014 election, Awami League was elected as a grand alliance. Due to the coalition election in this election, Dr. Zaidul Kabir of JSD from grand alliance was allowed to contest with the boat symbol. Anwarul Ashraf Khan Dileep's younger brother Kamrul Ashraf Khan (Poton) elected as an independent and continued his victory by defeating the boat. Later, in the 11th JS election of 2018, Palash Upazila Awami League president and current Member of Parliament Dr. Anwarul Ashraf Khan (Dilip) was nominated and won.

It has raised curiosity among the common people as to why they have submitted three nominations despite the boat symbol being given to one family. Despite several attempts to contact them, no response was received.

According to the schedule announced by the EC, the nomination papers submitted will be scrutinized from December 1 to 4 by the concerned Returning Officers. The deadline for filing appeals against the selection of nomination papers is December 5-9. Appeal disposal December 10-15. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17.

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Without BNP, Boat and Plough running in the election train



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
photo: Collected

photo: Collected

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Finally, the train of the 12th Jatiya Sangsad(JS) election has started without the BNP and some of its like-minded parties in the anti-government movement. Candidates from 30 out of 44 parties registered in the Election Commission (EC) are participating in the polls of January’24, EC officials said.

In a circular signed by Shariful Islam, Director of Public Relations of the Election Commission on Thursday (November 30), it is said that the nominees and independent candidates of 30 parties, including the ruling Awami League and the main opposition party of the parliament, the Jatiya Party, have submitted their nomination papers in the 12th JS Election.

This time 2741 aspirants filed nomination papers against 300 seats. A maximum of 40 people have filed nomination papers in the Feni-1 seat. A minimum of 4 candidates have filed nomination papers for multiple constituencies. Apart from this, 8 candidates from different parties have filed their nomination papers in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Gopalganj-3 constituency.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has said that there is no opportunity to extend the schedule for the 12th JS elections. It has also been informed that this election will be held according to the existing schedule. Unless something miraculous happens, BNP has no chance to participate in this election.

All 39 registered parties participated in the 11th JS elections. At that time, 3 thousand 65 people submitted nomination papers.

According to the schedule announced by the EC, the nomination papers submitted will be scrutinized from December 1 to 4 by the concerned returning officers. The deadline for filing appeals against the selection of nomination papers is December 5-9. Appeal disposal December 10-15. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is December 17.

The candidatures of many were canceled during the verification of nomination papers. Besides, many people withdrew their candidature. This will further reduce the number of candidates in the final competition.

It is known that the ruling Awami League, Jatiya Party, Jatiya Party (JP), Bangladesh Samyavadi Dal (ML), Krishak Sramik Janata League, Bangladesh Workers Party, Bilapadhara Bangladesh, Jatiya Party (Part), Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal are participating in the 12th JS elections. JSD, Zaker Party, Bangladesh Tariqat Federation, Bangladesh National Awami Party, Bangladesh Khilafat Movement, National People's Party, Gano Forum, Gano Front, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Islamic Front Bangladesh, Bangladesh Kalyan Party, Islami Oikyajot, Bangladesh Islamic Front, Bangladesh Muslim League (BML ), Bangladesh Sanskriti Muktijot (Muktijot), Bangladesh Nationalist Front (BNF), Bangladesh Congress, Trinamool BNP, Demokratic Party, Bangladesh JSD, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Andolan-BNM and Bangladesh Supreme Party (BSP).

The parties that did not participate in the elections are BNP, LDP, Khilafat Majlis, CPB, Biplabli Workers Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Jamiat Ulamae Bangladesh, Insaniat Biplab, National Democratic Andolan or NDM, JSD (Rob), BSD, BJP, Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Bangladesh Muslim League (Hurricane) and Bangladesh National Awami Party-Bangladesh NAP (Cow).

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The month of glorious victory has come



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
The month of glorious victory has come

The month of glorious victory has come

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The month of victory achieved through the Great War of Liberation began in December. The month of the victory of freedom won at the cost of 30 lakh martyrs and desecration 20 lakh mothers and sisters will be celebrated through various events.

The greatest event in the history of Bangladesh is the liberation war of 1971. In a historic cycle of armed freedom struggle led by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the dream of social, political and economic liberation of the Bengali nation for thousands of years was fulfilled in this month.

The unforgettable and glorious final victory of the Liberation War came on December 16. Bengalis recognized themselves in the world as an independent nation. Gaining its own territory and its own national flag with a red sun on a green chest. Nationalism built on the basis of language, after a bloody war, declared independence was fulfilled on this day.

December is also a month of mourning for Bengali nation as this achievement is in exchange for the sacrifice of many fresh lives and the honor of mothers and sisters in addition to the fulfillment of a thousand year dream of Bengalis.

In this month, the anti-independence forces, with the help of their countrymen, Razakar-Albadr Al-Shams, were involved in a brutal massacre of the country's talented, best children and intellectuals. There is no other precedent in the world for such a despicable massacre of the entire nation.

From the beginning of December 1971, the news of the defeat of the barbaric Pakistani invading forces in the face of the guerilla attack of the freedom fighters and the combined forces consisting of the Indian allied forces on water, land and air began to emerge from all directions. On December 16, Pakistani forces were forced to surrender at Dhaka's historic Race Course Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan). From where the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of independence on March 7 called for independence saying 'this time's struggle is our liberation struggle, this time's struggle is the struggle of freedom', Pakistani General Niazi signed the document of defeat there. The final victory of the 9-month bloody war of liberation was achieved. And the nation achieves the freedom of a thousand years of dreams.

Bangabandhu formally declared independence before he was arrested by the Pakistani forces on the night of March 25, 1971, and at his call, the Bengali nation unitedly jumped into the liberation war. The final victory of the nation was achieved on December 16 in a long 9-month armed people's war.

In addition to national programs, various political, social, cultural and professional organizations have taken up detailed programs to celebrate the month of great victory.

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