Strips of colourful lights adorn the lamp posts on the road divider of Kemal Ataturk Avenue in Dhaka’s Banani area, as seen on August 1, 2022.

Oil prices extended gains on Monday, propped up by a weaker dollar and tight supplies that offset concerns about recession and the prospect of widespread COVID-19 lockdowns in China again reducing fuel demand.

The government is bent on raising fuel prices by Tk 10-30 each litre, despite vehement opposition from consumer rights groups and experts.

Authorities must explore alternative options

PM’s directives should be followed through to the letter.

Beleaguered Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has named a 17-member cabinet, despite growing calls for his resignation, according to the BBC.