<div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has described the move to raise gas price from Tk 30 to Tk 75 per cubic metre as an “unpleasant yet unavoidable”.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“The decision to raise gas prices is not a pleasant one for the government. However, it is necessary. The adjustment will be carried out through the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) after discussions with entrepreneurs,” he said on Wednesday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking at the inauguration of GAPExpo-2025 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka, the adviser acknowledged the challenges posed by the price hike.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shawkat Aziz Russel, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), stressed that doubling gas prices without prior consultation with businesses could compel many factories to shut down.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“If this decision is implemented without proper dialogue, how is the interim government any different from the previous Awami League administration?” he questioned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), called the proposed hike excessive and unjustified.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;“Why should the price be increased to Tk 70-75? Such a major decision requires thorough consultation with stakeholders. This lack of engagement is unacceptable,” he said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">BN/kh</div>