In the northern district of Jamalpur, a mobile court has sentenced a father-in-law and his son-in-law to one month’s simple imprisonment each for illegally collecting, storing, and selling fuel at inflated prices. The ruling, delivered on Monday night, underscores the authorities’ continued efforts to tackle irregularities in the country’s fuel distribution system.
The convicted individuals, Md Habib (45) and his son-in-law Nazmul Hasan (33), were detained during a raid led by Executive Magistrate Imon Hossain. Habib owns a workshop in the Gatepara area, which investigators say had been used as a base for their unlawful activities.
According to officials from the district administration, the pair had been collecting fuel in small quantities from several filling stations across the town using motorcycles. By repeatedly purchasing limited amounts, they avoided suspicion while gradually accumulating a substantial volume. The fuel was then siphoned from motorcycle tanks into drums and plastic containers and stored without authorisation.
Authorities report that the stored fuel was subsequently sold in the open market at prices higher than those fixed by the government. This practice not only violated regulatory standards but also disrupted the local fuel market and placed an unfair burden on ordinary consumers.
The operation was uncovered during a targeted night-time raid at Habib’s workshop. At the time, he was found transferring fuel from a motorcycle tank into bottles in front of the premises. Both men were caught in the act, and evidence of illegal storage and intended resale was immediately secured.
Executive Magistrate Imon Hossain stated that the two individuals had breached provisions of the Petroleum Act, 2016. He noted that unauthorised fuel storage is not only unlawful but also dangerous, as it increases the risk of fire and other accidents in densely populated areas.
Following a summary trial, the mobile court handed down one month’s simple imprisonment to each offender. They were later sent to jail to serve their sentences.
Case Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jamalpur town |
| Date of operation | Monday night |
| Arresting authority | Executive Magistrate Imon Hossain |
| Nature of offence | Illegal fuel storage and overpricing |
| Applicable law | Petroleum Act, 2016 |
| Sentence | One month simple imprisonment each |
Local authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining discipline in the fuel supply chain and warned that similar enforcement drives will continue. Residents have also been encouraged to report suspicious activities to help prevent exploitation and ensure fair access to essential resources.