A mobile court in Netrokona Sadar upazila has seized around 3,500 litres of illegally stored diesel during a drive at Hatikhola Bazar, while also imposing a fine on a local trader for operating without the required licence and selling fuel at inflated prices.
The enforcement operation was carried out on Saturday (28 March) evening under the supervision of the district administration, as part of an ongoing campaign against irregularities in the storage, distribution, and pricing of petroleum products. Officials said the action was prompted by growing concerns over alleged artificial fuel shortages and misuse of market disruptions by unscrupulous traders.
During the raid, enforcement officials discovered a substantial quantity of diesel stored in drums inside a warehouse belonging to M/s Chowdhury Enterprise at Hatikhola Bazar. Initial investigations suggested that the fuel had been accumulated without regulatory approval, in clear violation of petroleum storage rules.
Authorities further alleged that the business had been engaging in unauthorised retail sales of diesel at prices higher than the government-approved rate, exploiting prevailing market pressure and supply uncertainties. Such practices, officials said, risk destabilising local fuel distribution networks and harming consumers dependent on regulated supply channels.
Following verification of the evidence, the mobile court confiscated the entire stock of diesel and imposed a financial penalty on the proprietor, Zahirul Haque Bakul, under the Petroleum Act for operating without a valid licence and engaging in unlawful commercial practices.
Enforcement summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hatikhola Bazar, Netrokona Sadar |
| Seized fuel | Approximately 3,500 litres of diesel |
| Nature of violation | Illegal storage and unauthorised fuel sales |
| Business name | M/s Chowdhury Enterprise |
| Proprietor | Zahirul Haque Bakul |
| Legal action | Mobile court seizure and fine |
| Penalty | Tk 10,000 |
| Applicable law | Petroleum Act |
Officials involved in the operation stated that the seized diesel had been stored in drums within the premises without any formal permission or safety compliance measures. They warned that such unregulated stockpiling contributes to artificial scarcity in local markets, potentially disrupting fair pricing and equitable distribution of essential commodities.
District administration sources confirmed that the drive forms part of a wider enforcement strategy aimed at curbing black-market activities and ensuring strict adherence to fuel storage and pricing regulations. They added that similar mobile court operations will continue across Netrokona to prevent illegal hoarding and price manipulation.
Netrokona Deputy Commissioner Khondaker Mushfiqur Rahman reiterated the administration’s firm stance against malpractice in essential commodity markets. He stated that no individual or business would be allowed to exploit supply fluctuations for illegal financial gain or to create artificial shortages in the market.
He further emphasised that regular mobile court drives are being conducted in different areas of the district to monitor trading practices and ensure compliance with existing laws. According to him, these measures will remain ongoing to maintain market stability and protect consumers from exploitation.
Authorities have also urged all traders involved in petroleum products and other essential goods to obtain proper licences, maintain transparent records, and strictly follow government-fixed pricing guidelines. They warned that failure to comply would result in strict legal consequences, including fines, confiscation of goods, and possible closure of business operations.