Dhaka, Sept. 21 -- The Passenger Welfare Association of Bangladesh (PWAB) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the sudden midnight decision to hike fuel prices by Tk 20 per litre.

The passenger rights advocacy group called for a reversal of the move and the restoration of previous rates in a statement issued on Monday.

"Fuel prices in the global market are now trending downward. The country is gripped by extreme instability, driven by rising commodity prices, mounting inflation and growing unemployment as factories shut down amid the energy crisis," it added.

The group said the government had raised fuel prices twice in seven months of taking office, instead of supporting people during the crisis.

"This has driven up fares and cos...