Bangladesh Opposition Stages Mass Protest March Amid Energy Crisis

On September 5, 2026, thousands of opposition supporters in Bangladesh initiated a significant long march from Dhaka to Chittagong, protesting against a severe energy crisis affecting the nation. The demonstration comes just six months after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office and is aimed at highlighting the acute shortages of cooking gas, electricity, and fertilizer that have left many citizens frustrated.

The march commenced at a public square in Dhaka, where participants waved banners and chanted slogans. Opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman addressed the crowd, emphasizing the movement’s goal to ensure that every household has access to essential utilities like cooking gas and electricity. "This movement is aimed at ensuring cooking gas and lighting up every household with electricity," he declared.

The ongoing energy crisis has been exacerbated by the conflict in West Asia, drawing criticism toward the government's response. The protest follows the controversial arrest of a college student for allegedly insulting senior officials over rising electricity bills, a situation that many view as indicative of the government’s growing intolerance toward dissent. Akhter Hossen, a member of the National Citizen Party, voiced the sentiments of many by stating, "You have failed to supply gas, electricity, and fertiliser and are not allowing people to even speak up."

Source: www.thehindu.com