News Desk : Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman has described any potential increase in fuel prices ahead of the upcoming national budget session as a “deception,” alleging that preparations are underway for another round of price hikes.

In a Facebook post on Sunday night, he said fuel prices were increased by around 8 to 12 per cent in a single adjustment last month, with some categories seeing higher hikes.

He said the increase had already pushed up the cost of essential commodities, while incomes remained stagnant and unemployment continued to rise.

“Where will the people go, what will they do, how will they survive?” he wrote, highlighting concerns over rising living costs.

He also claimed that assurances had been given earlier that fuel prices would not be increased this month, adding that any such decision would go against public interest.

Referring to the upcoming budget session, he said, “If fuel prices are hurriedly increased before the budget session begins, it will be a kind of deception.”

Shafiqur urged citizens to raise their voices in defence of their rights, saying people must remain alert and assert accountability.

He further said, “We are against all such public-interest–harmful measures.”

He also said that worsening law and order conditions, along with rising fuel and commodity prices, were placing pressure on society and the state.

“We must wake up and speak out for our rights. We must fight to secure them. We are with you,” he added.