Sub-Divisional Officer Targeted in Violent Assault During Fuel Rationing Inspection

In a significant breach of public order, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Debiganj, Sabuj Kumar Basak, was subjected to a targeted assault while attempting to enforce government regulations at a petrol station in Panchagarh. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, 25 April 2026, resulted in injuries to the officer’s official bodyguard and necessitated a police rescue operation.

The confrontation took place at the Messrs Jannatul Mawa Filling Station, located in the Bhaulaganj Union of Debiganj Upazila. The facility had become a flashpoint for local unrest due to the ongoing implementation of the national fuel card system and strict documentation requirements for the purchase of petroleum products.

Origin of the Dispute: Compliance and Rationing

The disturbance originated during the afternoon hours as a large number of motorcyclists gathered at the station, creating a significant queue. According to the management of the filling station, a majority of the individuals in the line did not possess the mandatory fuel cards, vehicle registration documents, or valid driving licences required under the current administration’s energy management protocols.

The absence of these documents led to a breakdown in service, as drivers with legitimate paperwork found themselves unable to access fuel amidst the congestion. Faced with an escalating crowd and deteriorating order, the petrol station authorities requested the intervention of the sub-divisional administration. UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak arrived at the premises at approximately 12:30 pm to oversee the distribution process and verify the credentials of those in the queue.

Escalation and the Physical Assault

Upon his arrival, the UNO issued a formal directive stating that any individual lacking a valid fuel card or the requisite vehicular documentation must vacate the queue immediately. To enforce this, the officer initiated summary proceedings, imposing a fine of 500 BDT each on two motorcyclists who were found to be in violation of the regulations.

Immediately following the imposition of these fines, the situation transitioned from civil disobedience to violent unrest. A procession of approximately one hundred individuals emerged from an adjacent direction and launched an unprovoked attack on the UNO and his security detail.

The primary target of the violence was the officer’s bodyguard, identified as Taibul (43). Witnesses reported that members of the mob attempted to forcibly disarm Taibul, struggling to seize his government-issued firearm. During the ensuing physical altercation, Taibul sustained several injuries while successfully preventing the theft of his weapon.

As the violence intensified, Mr Basak was forced to seek emergency refuge. Assisted by several local residents, he retreated from the station and took shelter in the nearby residence of a local citizen, Mominul Islam. The situation remained volatile until a contingent from the Debiganj Police Station arrived at the scene to secure the area and escort the UNO back to the Upazila headquarters.

Official Statements and Medical Status

The injured bodyguard, Taibul, was subsequently admitted to the Debiganj Upazila Health Complex, where he is currently undergoing medical treatment for his injuries.

Providing a firsthand account of the incident, UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak stated:

“On Saturday, fuel distribution was scheduled at three specific stations within the sub-division. Upon receiving reports regarding a potential breakdown of law and order at this particular pump, I attended the site to restore discipline. When those without documentation were asked to leave and two individuals were penalised, a mob of over a hundred people arrived in a procession and attacked us. They actively sought to seize my bodyguard’s official weapon.”

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Debiganj Police Station, Selim Malek, confirmed that the situation in Bhaulaganj has since been stabilised.

“We acted swiftly to bring the environment under control. Given that this incident constitutes a violent obstruction of government officials in the execution of their duties, we are treating it with the utmost gravity. Operations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the assault, and legal proceedings will be initiated in accordance with the law.”

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by administrative officials in enforcing energy rationing measures and maintaining order during the 2026 fuel crisis. As of Saturday evening, no arrests have been formally announced, though police patrols in the vicinity of the filling station have been increased.