The Bangladesh Coast Guard has seized 4,200 litres of petrol, estimated to be worth around BDT 567,000, from a wooden boat operating in the Meghna River near Chaukighat in Daulatkhan upazila of Bhola.
According to the authorities, the petrol was being transported for unlawful storage after being collected from various oil-carrying vessels navigating the river route.
The information was confirmed on Tuesday (21 April) at approximately 11:45 am by Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan, Media Officer of the Coast Guard.
The seizure was carried out during a special operation conducted by the Coast Guard on Monday night. Acting on confidential intelligence, a team from the Coast Guard Bhola base launched the operation at around 8:00 pm in the Chaukighat area under Daulatkhan Police Station.
During the raid, Coast Guard personnel intercepted a suspected wooden boat and conducted a search operation. They recovered 4,200 litres of petrol, which was allegedly being moved for illegal stockpiling purposes. Officials stated that the consignment had been gathered unlawfully from multiple oil-laden vessels passing through the Meghna River.
The estimated market value of the seized fuel was reported at approximately BDT 567,000. The boat and the fuel were taken under custody following the operation.
Authorities stated that certain individuals involved in riverine fuel transport were allegedly collecting fuel illegally from commercial vessels and transferring it for unauthorised storage. The seized petrol was being transported at the time of interception, according to the Coast Guard.
A table summarising the key details of the operation is provided below:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chaukighat, Meghna River, Daulatkhan, Bhola |
| Date of operation | Monday night (20 April) |
| Time | Around 8:00 pm |
| Seized fuel | Petrol |
| Quantity | 4,200 litres |
| Estimated value | BDT 567,000 |
| Vessel type | Wooden boat |
| Acting authority | Bangladesh Coast Guard |
| Basis of operation | Confidential intelligence |
The Bangladesh Coast Guard confirmed that legal proceedings regarding the seized petrol are underway. Officials also stated that operations against illegal fuel hoarding, diversion of petroleum products, and related criminal activity in riverine areas will continue as part of ongoing enforcement measures.