Fuel Irregularities in Manikganj: Two Traders Fined

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has penalised two businessmen in Manikganj district a total of 175,000 BDT following separate drives targeting the illegal stockpiling and overpriced sale of fuel.

Conducted on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, the operations were led by Asaduzzaman Rumel, the Assistant Director of the Manikganj DNCRP. The raids were initiated based on specific intelligence provided by the National Security Intelligence (NSI) regarding irregularities in the local energy market.

Operations in Hijuli and Rajibpur

The monitoring team first targeted Rishad Enterprise, located in the Hijuli Market area of Manikganj Municipality. During the inspection, officials uncovered a hidden cache of fuel. Investigations revealed that the proprietor, Md. Arifur Rahman (Arif), had been systematically hoarding fuel to manipulate market supply.

In a notable discovery, authorities recovered approximately 140 litres of petrol concealed in plastic drums. These drums had been placed inside sacks and hidden within a nearby maize field to evade detection. Consequently, the establishment was fined 25,000 BDT under Section 45 of the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, for the illegal stockpiling of goods.

A second raid was conducted at Milan Enterprise in Rajibpur Market, situated within the Manikganj Sadar Upazila. This operation focused on allegations of price gouging. Upon investigation, the DNCRP found conclusive evidence that the owner, identified as Milan, was selling diesel at rates significantly higher than the government-mandated prices. Due to the severity of the price manipulation, a fine of 150,000 BDT was imposed on the trader.

Summary of Penalties and Violations

Commitment to Market Stability

Assistant Director Asaduzzaman Rumel emphasised that these measures are part of a broader strategy to prevent the creation of artificial crises in the fuel market. He stated that the DNCRP remains committed to protecting consumers from fraudulent trade practices and that strict legal actions against offenders will continue.

The operations were supported by members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Samsunnabi Tulip, the President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), Manikganj District branch. The DNCRP has reaffirmed its intention to intensify market surveillance to ensure the price stability of essential commodities and to safeguard the interests of the general public.