Authorities in the Sirajganj district have dealt a significant blow to the illicit fuel trade following a series of coordinated raids across the Kazipur, Ullapara, and Raiganj upazilas. In an operation spanning Wednesday evening and the early hours of Thursday, 2 April 2026, officials seized a total of 3,829 litres of petrol and diesel being held without legal authorisation.
Details of the Enforcement Actions
The crackdown, aimed at stabilising the local energy market and penalising unregulated stockpiling, resulted in the penalisation of three prominent local traders. The operations were led by administrative officials and law enforcement to ensure compliance with fuel storage regulations.
Kazipur Upazila: During a pre-dawn raid on Thursday, Kazipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mustafizur Rahman targeted Messrs S.R. Fuel Traders in Sonamukhi Bazar. The establishment was found to be operating without the necessary permits. A total of 1,729 litres of fuel were confiscated. The proprietor, Shah Alam, was unable to produce any documentation to justify the collection or storage of the combustible materials. Consequently, he was fined £70 (10,000 BDT).
Ullapara Upazila: On Wednesday afternoon, a separate team led by Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Hafizur Rahman inspected Messrs Sohag Enterprise in the Chariya area. Authorities discovered 1,000 litres of diesel hidden within the premises. It was revealed that the owner, Shahadat Hossain, had surreptitiously installed a “mini pump” inside the shop to facilitate illegal sales. He was also ordered to pay a fine of £70 (10,000 BDT).
Raiganj Upazila: In a more creative attempt to evade the law, a trader in the Chandaikona area, Prakash Kumar Mahato, was found to have concealed 1,100 litres of diesel inside two large water tanks. Following the discovery, he was fined £35 (5,000 BDT).
Summary of Seizures and Penalties
The following table outlines the specifics of the enforcement action:
| Location (Upazila) | Establishment / Individual | Fuel Seized (Litres) | Fine Imposed (BDT) | Primary Violation |
| Kazipur | Messrs S.R. Fuel Traders | 1,729 | 10,000 | Lack of valid documentation |
| Ullapara | Messrs Sohag Enterprise | 1,000 | 10,000 | Illegal mini-pump installation |
| Raiganj | Prakash Kumar Mahato | 1,100 | 5,000 | Concealment in water tanks |
| Total | 3,829 | 25,000 |
Disposal of Contraband
The seized fuel was promptly transported to authorised petrol pumps for immediate sale. The proceeds from these transactions have been officially deposited into the government treasury.
Local officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a transparent fuel supply chain, warning that those attempting to manipulate the market through hoarding or unlicensed trading will face the full weight of the law. This recent sweep serves as a stern reminder that the administration remains vigilant against economic irregularities.