Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the cabinet members to minimise costs amid the ongoing global energy crisis, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Monday.
“Joining the cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat here through videoconferencing from her Ganabhaban residence, the premier made this directive,” he told reporters after attending the meeting.
Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said the government is considering austerity in the transport sector as it should cut costs in all sectors. z
The prime minister also asked the cabinet members to increase virtual communications minimising car use, he said.
The minister said energy and gas crisis continues globally and Bangladesh is not separated from the world. “At this moment, I cannot say whether energy crisis will go up or not,” he added.
“We have taken some steps and it seems that we will be able to address this crisis…we have to go for austerity,” Quader said.
Replying to a question about transport fare, he said the government did not take any decision over transport fare hike.
About AL President Sheikh Hasina’s invitation to BNP for joining a tea party, the road transport and bridges minister said it was a political humour.
Falling BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia down from Padma Bridge was also a humour as it was told responding to the BNP’s threat of movement, he said.
Responding to another query, Quader said as no decision has been taken yet to hold dialogue with the BNP, he does not want to make comments on it.
“When the prime minister will take decision in this regard, then you will be informed. It is an open secret,” he said.
About the dialogues of the Election Commission (EC), the AL general secretary said it was the BNP’s rights to joining the EC’s dialogue.
“As a political party what can we say now if they (BNP) do not join the dialogue?” he questioned.
Quader said the BNP should join the EC’s dialogue as the government wants a competitive election.
“From our hearts, we want the BNP to join the next polls,” he added.
