Syndicates Flourish with Government Patronage, Alleges Jamaat Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Impact of Energy Crisis on Agriculture" held at the Krishibid Institution in the capital on Saturday morning, Dr. Rahman asserted that there has been no tangible change in the syndicate-driven culture that has plagued the economy for years. He alleged that every major syndicate operates with the direct backing of influential individuals within the ruling party, allowing dishonest actors to exploit the general public and deplete the country's resources.
Dr. Rahman expressed deep frustration over the government's perceived disconnect from the reality of the energy sector. He noted that while the agricultural sector is suffering from a severe fuel shortage, the rhetoric from treasury bench members in Parliament suggests a surplus of energy. According to the Jamaat leader, this dualistic approach is intensifying the hardships faced by farmers who are struggling to maintain productivity amidst rising costs. He argued that the government’s failure to dismantle these syndicates is a direct result of political cronyism, where the interests of powerful elites are prioritized over the welfare of ordinary citizens.
To address the ongoing crisis and ensure sustainable national development, Dr. Rahman proposed a three-pronged strategy focusing on agriculture, the electro-mechanical sector, and human resource development. He emphasized that as an agrarian economy, Bangladesh must prioritize the agricultural sector above all else. Secondly, he called for the modernization of the electro-mechanical industry to support national infrastructure. However, he maintained that neither of these sectors can thrive without the third pillar: a robust investment in human resource development to manage and lead these industries effectively.
The Jamaat chief highlighted a critical disparity in energy allocation, noting that despite agriculture accounting for 18 percent of the national fuel demand, it continues to be sidelined in favor of other interests. He warned that the three pillars of the economy—agriculture, industry, and human resources—are currently facing a deep-seated crisis that threatens the very livelihood of the population. Dr. Rahman concluded his speech by demanding that the government immediately cease its "syndicate-appeasement" policies and adopt farmer-friendly initiatives to safeguard the nation’s future. His remarks have sparked a fresh wave of debate regarding the administration’s handling of the economy and its ties to market intermediaries.
