Police in Burichang, Comilla, apprehended five individuals while attempting to smuggle nearly 500 litres of illicit diesel using a pickup vehicle. The operation took place on Thursday (12 March) at around 9:30 pm in front of M/s Medina Filling Corporation at Najira Bazar.

Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Burichang Police Station, Mohammad Lutfor Rahman, stated that the arrests followed a tip-off regarding illegal fuel transportation.

The arrested individuals are:

According to police, the informant had indicated that certain unscrupulous traders were attempting to exploit the ongoing national fuel shortage to sell diesel on the black market. Acting on this intelligence, the police launched a swift raid and discovered a blue-coloured pickup carrying one plastic drum and two metal drums, collectively holding approximately 500 litres of diesel. The estimated market value of the seized fuel is 50,060 Taka. Additionally, an old Sakura generator was recovered during the operation.

The suspects attempted to flee upon noticing the police presence, but all five were apprehended at the scene. During interrogation, the detainees admitted that they intended to transport the fuel from the filling station to sell illegally elsewhere, capitalising on the current energy crisis. Notably, Ratan Chandra Das, one of the arrested individuals, was serving as the manager of the filling station involved in the operation.

Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Lutfor Rahman confirmed that legal proceedings are underway against all five suspects under the relevant provisions of the law. The police emphasised that such operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb fuel smuggling and prevent black market trading, which exacerbates the national fuel shortage and affects ordinary consumers.

Authorities have also appealed to the public to report any suspicious fuel-related activities, reiterating that timely intelligence is crucial for preventing the illegal circulation of essential commodities.