DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Saturday categorically said that the recent power price hike would not affect people of the country.

The finance minister came up with the observation while addressing annual general meeting of Jalalabad Association at the auditorium of Institute of Engineers Bangladesh in the city.

The price of electricity in Bangladesh is lower than any other countries in the world, he asserted.

In response to a question regarding price hike, the ruling Awami League lawmaker said the government is giving subsidy to electricity. The price hike will reduce the amount of subsidy. But, it will not affect general people.

Regarding price hike of natural gas, he said, there is no relation between the prices of electricity and natural gas. If new gas-fields are not found, then the price of gas will be increased.

He further said that electricity price hike will also not hamper agriculture productions.

BDST: 1455 HRS, MAR 15, 2014