A mobile court has imposed a fine of Tk 1.40 lakh and confiscated approximately 2,480 litres of octane after uncovering illegally stored fuel at a commercial establishment in the Taltala area under Patenga Police Station in Chattogram.
The enforcement operation was carried out on Wednesday (8 April) at around 3:45 pm at a business outlet named Hafiz Mobarak Ali Shah Traders. The raid was conducted under the leadership of Executive Magistrate S M Amirul Mostafa as part of an ongoing drive targeting unauthorised storage, hoarding, and distribution of petroleum products in violation of regulatory provisions.
Officials involved in the operation reported that a substantial quantity of octane was found stored without the required licences or supporting documentation. The fuel was kept in multiple industrial containers and plastic receptacles, raising immediate concerns over both legality and safety compliance.
Breakdown of Seized Fuel
| Container Type | Number of Containers | Capacity per Unit | Total Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel drums | 11 | 200 litres | 2,200 litres |
| Plastic jars | 14 | 20 litres | 280 litres |
| Overall Total | — | — | 2,480 litres |
The establishment is owned by a businessman identified as Zainal Abedin. During the inspection, he reportedly claimed that he was involved in commercial speedboat operations; however, he failed to present any valid documentation justifying the purchase, transport, or storage of the petroleum fuel.
Following interrogation at the scene, the businessman is said to have admitted to the irregularities and sought leniency from the mobile court. Authorities subsequently imposed penalties under relevant sections of the Bangladesh Petroleum Act, 2016, and the Consumer Rights Protection Act, 2009, issuing a combined financial penalty of Tk 1.40 lakh along with an additional Tk 10,000 under specific legal provisions cited during the proceedings.
Officials confirmed that the confiscated octane was seized under section 21(a) of applicable legislation and subsequently handed over to representatives of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for secure custody. The authorities have also directed that the seized fuel be disposed of through public auction, with the proceeds to be deposited into the state treasury in accordance with government regulations.
Executive Magistrate S M Amirul Mostafa stated that the operation was conducted under instructions from senior district administration authorities as part of a broader initiative to ensure stability in the fuel supply chain and to discourage illegal stockpiling of hazardous materials. He added that similar enforcement drives would continue across Chattogram to prevent unauthorised fuel trading activities.
He further stressed that the illegal storage of highly flammable substances such as octane poses severe public safety risks, particularly in densely populated urban settings. In this case, officials noted that the storage site was located in proximity to residential neighbourhoods and educational institutions, significantly heightening the potential danger.
Authorities emphasised that breaches involving petroleum storage regulations not only undermine legal frameworks but also create serious fire and explosion hazards that could result in catastrophic consequences. The mobile court reiterated its commitment to taking strict legal action against any individuals or entities found engaging in illegal fuel hoarding or unsafe storage practices.
The district administration has also reaffirmed that monitoring activities targeting fuel-related businesses will be further intensified to ensure compliance with safety standards, prevent market disruption, and safeguard public welfare.