A mobile court in Cumilla’s Sadar South upazila has imposed a fine of Tk 50,000 on a local trader after uncovering the illegal storage and sale of petrol-grade fuel in a residential building, with authorities seizing a total of 250 litres of octane during the operation.
The enforcement drive was conducted on Thursday evening (16 April), running from approximately 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Haratoli area under Bijoypur Union, near Changini Mor. The operation was led by Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Sazib Talukder, with support from law enforcement personnel.
Illegal fuel storage uncovered
During the raid, officials found that a business named “Abul Kashem Enterprise” had been operating without the necessary licence to store and sell highly flammable petroleum products. Investigators discovered that fuel was being kept in both a rented residential property and a commercial outlet under unsafe and unauthorised conditions.
According to officials, a total of 250 litres of octane was recovered during the operation—245 litres from the suspect’s rented house and a further 5 litres from the shop premises.
Authorities said the fuel was being stored in unapproved containers, posing a serious fire and public safety risk in a densely populated area.
Penalty and disposal of seized fuel
Following verification of the violations, the mobile court sentenced the trader, identified as Abul Hasem (38), to a monetary fine of Tk 50,000 under the provisions of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009.
The seized fuel was later disposed of through a spot auction process in accordance with regulatory procedures. A local filling station purchased the entire consignment for Tk 27,500, being the highest bidder at the scene.
Key enforcement summary
| Category |
Details |
| Location |
Haratoli (Changini Mor), Bijoypur Union, Cumilla Sadar South |
| Date & time |
16 April, 6:30pm–8:30pm |
| Business name |
Abul Kashem Enterprise |
| Offender |
Abul Hasem (38) |
| Seized fuel |
250 litres of octane |
| Storage breakdown |
245 litres (residence), 5 litres (shop) |
| Fine imposed |
Tk 50,000 |
| Legal basis |
Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009 |
| Auction value |
Tk 27,500 |
Authorities warn against unsafe fuel trade
Executive Magistrate Sazib Talukder stated that the operation was part of an ongoing drive to curb illegal trading of hazardous and regulated goods.
He noted that storing and selling petroleum products without a valid licence, particularly in residential areas and unsafe containers, constitutes a serious violation of public safety regulations.
“Such practices pose a significant risk of fire hazards and endanger surrounding communities,” he said, adding that enforcement actions against consumer rights violations and unsafe fuel storage would continue in the region.
Officials have indicated that further monitoring will be carried out to identify similar illegal storage and distribution activities in Cumilla and surrounding upazilas.
Comments