Bangladesh opposition launches protest march over energy crisis

Thousands of opposition supporters launched a long march across Bangladesh on Saturday, piling pressure on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's government over acute shortages of cooking gas, electricity and fertiliser.

The march marks the first major street mobilization against the government, which took office in the South Asian country of 170 million people six months ago.

What is the Bangladesh protest about?

Opposition supporters are protesting acute shortages of cooking gas, electricity and fertiliser, which they say the government has failed to resolve since taking office six months ago. Crowds gathered at a public square in Dhaka before setting off on a long march to the port city of Chittagong, with rallies planned along the route. The march also follows criticism over the government's handling of dissent.

What are opposition leaders saying about the energy crisis?

"This movement is aimed at ensuring cooking gas and lighting up every household with electricity," opposition leader Shafiqur Rahman told supporters. Bangladesh has been reeling from acute shortages, partly caused by the war in the Middle East, while questions have been raised over the government's handling of the crisis.

Akhter Hossen of the opposition National Citizen Party told the crowd that the government had failed to supply gas, electricity and fertiliser while suppressing public criticism. "You have failed to supply gas, electricity, and fertiliser and are not allowing people to even speak up," he said. "You will face serious consequences."

Why is the timing of the march significant?

The rally comes a day after the arrest of a college student who allegedly insulted senior government officials while venting frustration over high electricity bills. Critics said the arrest reflected growing intolerance of dissent under the six-month-old government, adding to tensions already stirred by the ongoing energy shortages.