Gas pressure improves, load shedding eases significantly after govt action, claims Rizvi

BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today (23 August) claimed that gas pressure has improved in different parts of the country and load shedding has eased significantly following prompt government action.

"The fault in the floating terminal in Maheshkhali has been completely repaired, and an LNG-loaded cargo has already arrived. Supply is underway. You know that gas pressure, which has fallen in different parts of the country, has increased again, while load shedding has eased significantly," he said.

Rizvi made the remarks after paying homage to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, along with the newly appointed Prime Minister's Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon, at their graves in Zia Udyan in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area around 10:00am.

They offered Fateha and held special prayers and munajat seeking the eternal peace of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, accompanied by party leaders and activists.

The BNP leader described the present government as people-oriented, saying it is committed to social protection.

He said the government has moved away from the "terrible mega-corruption" carried out in the name of mega projects during the previous fascist regime and is setting a bright example of building corruption-free infrastructure.

"I said that if a government is sincere and focuses on public welfare, that government succeeds. Tarique Rahman's government has proved this. It has shown that there is no lack of sincerity on its part," Rizvi said.

He said the recent energy crisis was not caused by the government, and that the people, as well as the media, have witnessed this.

"However, that does not mean there are no conspiracies. There are conspiracies and plots. But by identifying and thwarting them, this government has continued the development of social protection and infrastructure for public welfare," he said.

The acting BNP secretary general expressed hope that the trend will continue and stressed that the government will remain accountable for its actions in every sector.

He said such accountability could take place in Parliament, among party leaders and activists, and through the media.

Rizvi described the government as a government with a popular base, a government for public welfare and social protection, and one that is building infrastructure while rising above corruption.

Mentioning that they have known each other since their student days, he expressed confidence that Swapon will use his intellect and skills in his new responsibility to assist Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.