Thursday, 20th August 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 8th April 2026, 9:39 AM
In Natore’s Beraigram Upazila, residents of Bonpara staged a protest on the Bonpara–Hatikumrul highway on Wednesday at around 11:30 a.m., demanding a consistent supply of fuel. The demonstration, which temporarily halted traffic, highlighted growing frustration over irregular fuel availability in the area.
According to the Beraigram Upazila administration, the Patowari Filling Station in Bonpara had suspended fuel sales since Monday, citing a “mechanical fault.” However, the station resumed sales unexpectedly on Wednesday morning without informing local authorities. Unable to meet the demand of waiting customers, a group of residents blocked the highway in protest.
Upon receiving reports of the blockade, Beraigram’s Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) promptly arrived at the scene. After discussions and assurances of an investigation, the protesters dispersed approximately two hours later, allowing traffic to return to normal.
Subsequent inspection by the UNO revealed that the filling station had a stock of 3,700 litres of fuel. While the station claimed a mechanical issue as the reason for the temporary closure, it was found that 2,600 litres were secretly sold without notifying authorities. Under government regulations, fuel must only be sold under the supervision of the local administration to ensure transparency and fair distribution.
A mobile court imposed a fine of BDT 50,000 on the station for violating these rules and secured a commitment to prevent such violations in the future.
| Parameter | Quantity / Status |
|---|---|
| Total fuel stock available | 3,700 litres |
| Fuel secretly sold | 2,600 litres |
| Legal compliance | Violated |
| Fine imposed | BDT 50,000 |
| Protest duration | ~2 hours |
UNO Laila Jannatul Ferdous stated, “The protesters have been dispersed, and traffic flow has been restored. The filling station’s unauthorised fuel sales were a clear violation, warranting the fine. We hope such incidents will not recur.”
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by residents in securing regular fuel supplies in rural areas, and the importance of adhering to regulatory protocols to maintain public trust and order.
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