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Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor Zahedur Rahman commented that a couple of cocktails won’t cause any harm to the government. He made this remark at a briefing in the capital on Tuesday.
The Information Advisor said, “A couple of cocktails won’t achieve anything against the government. The government does not want to distress the people or put them in crisis. There would have been a loss of BDT 40,000 crore on diesel. Efforts are underway to reduce that loss.”
Responding to a question about why fuel prices were increased domestically despite a drop in global market prices, he said, “The fuel oil market is highly unstable. Oil prices may rise further in the future. The extent to which the government can provide subsidies is also being considered.”
He added, “If such a situation had occurred during Hasina’s time, I would have demanded her resignation. Because that was not an elected government. However, the current government is democratically elected. This will cause hardship to the people, but the government also wants to maintain balance in the situation. We are indeed by the side of the most vulnerable.”
Regarding the Prime Minister’s New York visit, Zahedur Rahman said, “The Prime Minister’s program will begin on September 22. On September 23, she will discuss the Rohingya issue and hold several bilateral meetings. She will deliver a speech on September 24 and depart for the country on September 25.”
He stated, “A party event could have taken place in San Francisco. However, considering cost savings and the country’s current crisis, the Prime Minister is shortening her visit.”
Regarding whether Bangladesh is purchasing Boeing aircraft, the Information Advisor said, “This information has been published. Therefore, a related agreement might be signed. However, officially, the information available is limited to that.”
He mentioned that there was no United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) event in San Francisco, adding, “There was a party or some other program there. Subsequently, the Prime Minister shortened her visit. A shorter trip will also mean lower expenses.”
Zahedur Rahman said, “The country is going through various crises. Therefore, the Prime Minister being in the country at this moment is a better priority.”