Joint Operation Seizes 48,500 Litres Oil

A coordinated enforcement drive conducted across Chattogram and Feni has resulted in the seizure of 48,500 litres of furnace oil, alongside fines and eviction measures targeting a range of illegal activities. The operation focused on curbing the unlawful hoarding of edible and fuel oils, ensuring food safety standards, and reclaiming government land and public walkways.

The joint operation was carried out on Sunday, 12 April, under the initiative of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Chattogram. It involved the participation of executive and judicial magistrates, the Bangladesh Army, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Bangladesh Police, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).

During the drive, authorities seized 48,500 litres of furnace oil, recovered 12 acres of government land, and evicted nine illegal shops from footpaths. In addition, fines amounting to Tk 466,000 were imposed for various violations.

According to RAB officials, the operation was initiated following intelligence reports indicating that unscrupulous traders were illegally stockpiling edible oil, octane, diesel, and furnace oil to create artificial shortages. The reports also alleged that food was being produced in unhygienic environments and that government land and public footpaths had been unlawfully occupied, obstructing pedestrian movement.

Acting on this information, mobile courts penalised several establishments. Offences included operating with expired licences, storing oil in unsanitary conditions, selling fuel at inflated prices, and using unstamped weighing and measuring instruments. These violations resulted in fines totalling Tk 127,000. Further penalties amounting to Tk 285,000 were imposed for producing and storing goods without valid expiry dates, maintaining unhygienic production environments, and using counterfeit seals.

Additional fines of Tk 54,000 were levied for the illegal occupation of government land and footpaths. Authorities also dismantled nine encroaching shops and restored access to public spaces.

RAB’s Assistant Director, A.R.M. Mozzaffar Hossain, confirmed that 12 acres of government land were recovered during the operation. He further stated that the seized furnace oil was confiscated from an establishment accused of importing, transporting, storing, and processing unrefined fuel without a valid licence.

Summary of the Joint Operation

Authorities stated that such joint operations will continue to ensure market discipline, protect consumers, and safeguard public resources.