'Solve gas-power crisis, don't give excuses of 17 years'

Nagorik Andolon leader Mizanur Rahman has demanded the resolution of the gas and electricity crisis, stating that people no longer want to hear any excuses.

Referring to the government seeking six months' time, he said, "Six months have passed, and you cannot solve any problem. Now you are making various excuses. Do not give the excuse of 17 years anymore."

He made these remarks at a rally organised by local residents in Juraine, Dhaka, on Friday demanding resolution of the gas and electricity crisis.

Warning the government, Mizanur Rahman said, "Do not intimidate us, and do not try to. People defeated fear three years ago." He said residents of Juraine have long been suffering from gas, electricity and waterlogging problems, but no effective steps are being taken.

He said officials do not value people as human beings when they visit concerned offices. Elected representatives make various promises during elections but disappear afterwards.

Describing the rally as a " courtyard meeting," he warned that if problems are not resolved, the local people will shut down highways and railways. "We will show how to get our demands met. Do not push us towards that situation," he said.

Referring to the government's aircraft purchases, he said, "We hear you are buying Boeing. I would say, first meet people's basic needs, then buy Boeing." He also questioned whether the crisis was being deliberately created through overpriced purchases to please foreigners.

The rally was conducted by Mahdi, with speeches from local residents including Sohag Ray, Altab Hossain, Sagar, Mamun and Baser Ali. Speakers said people had high trust in Tarique Rahman, but are now seeing signs that the government is failing to meet basic needs. They warned that people of this area know how to protest, and the government must address problems beforehand.

A torchlight procession was brought out after the rally, parading through major roads of Jura