Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) has urged the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to postpone its scheduled hearing on the proposal to raise the gas prices for new industrial connections.

The BERC set February 26 for the hearing on the gas price hike proposal.

Addressing a press conference at the Bishwa Sahitya Kendra auditorium in the city today, CAB's energy adviser M Shamsul Alam said the move to increase gas prices contradicts the spirit of the July-August movement, which opposed inequality.

The organisation called for an end to the initiative to raise electricity and energy prices, alleging that BERC is continuing the legacy of previous governments.

"Those involved in this price hike process should publicly apologise," CAB leader said.

CAB leaders expressed hope that BERC will cancel the hearing.

CAB General Secretary Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, CAB member Shawkat Ali Khan and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan's (BAPA) Secretary General Alamgir Kabir also addressed the press conference and it was moderated by journalist Shuvo Kibria.

Responding to questions, M Shamsul Alam said that the movement against inequality led to bloodshed, and those stains have not yet dried.

"Yet, the energy division has shocked us by approving this discriminatory proposal. If this government behaves like the previous one, the movement's purpose will seem defeated from the start."

He added, "CAB does not believe a gas price hike is necessary. It appears hidden forces are pushing this."

He urged BERC to first form a committee to audit unreasonable expenses and corruption in the energy sector before considering price adjustments.

Shamsul Alam replied, "BERC could have held an open meeting to assess the rationale beforehand. Their current approach harms consumer interests. If BERC proceeds with price hikes, it will become a public enemy."