A covert operation by the National Security Intelligence (NSI) has exposed an organised fuel hoarding and black-market selling network in Rajshahi City Corporation, allegedly involving collusion between fuel station employees and a local trader. Authorities say the syndicate had been illegally stockpiling petrol and octane for months before selling it at inflated prices to local buyers.
The operation took place on Thursday night at around 9:30 pm in a multi-storey building located in the Alupatti area of the city. Acting on sustained surveillance and intelligence inputs, NSI officials from the Rajshahi metropolitan unit conducted a discreet “buyer-posing” raid, which ultimately led to the arrest of the prime suspect red-handed while engaging in illicit fuel transactions.
The accused has been identified as Rakib Hasan, son of Shahjahan Ali from the Betpotti area of Hosniganj in Rajshahi. Preliminary investigations suggest that he had developed a network with a number of dishonest employees working at local filling stations. Through this arrangement, he allegedly obtained surplus fuel beyond permissible limits, which was then diverted into the illegal market.
Authorities report that the fuel was stored inside the basement of the building in plastic bottles and jerrycans. It was subsequently sold to motorcyclists and local customers at prices ranging between 200 and 250 Bangladeshi Taka per litre—significantly higher than standard retail rates. Investigators believe that the operation had been running for a considerable period and may have evolved into a structured supply chain.
During the raid, approximately 40 litres of illegally stored fuel were recovered from the premises. Officials further estimate that the accused may have illegally traded nearly 500 litres of fuel in recent weeks based on storage patterns and container counts discovered at the site.
A mobile court was later conducted by an Assistant Commissioner of the Boalia Land Office, who imposed a fine of 5,000 Bangladeshi Taka on the accused. Authorities also ordered that proceeds from seized fuel, once assessed, be deposited into the state treasury following standard procedures.
Summary of Enforcement Action
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of raid | Alupatti, Rajshahi City |
| Accused person | Rakib Hasan |
| Father’s name | Shahjahan Ali |
| Type of offence | Illegal fuel storage and black-market sale |
| Storage method | Bottles and jerrycans in basement |
| Quantity seized | Approximately 40 litres |
| Estimated total trade | Around 500 litres (suspected) |
| Selling price | BDT 200–250 per litre |
| Fine imposed | BDT 5,000 |
| Agencies involved | National Security Intelligence & Mobile Court |
Following the incident, concern has grown among local residents regarding the unchecked diversion of fuel from legitimate supply channels. Community members and industry observers have called for tighter monitoring of filling stations and stricter enforcement to prevent similar illegal operations in the future.
Investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the suspected network, including filling station employees believed to have facilitated the diversion of fuel. Authorities have indicated that further drives will be conducted to dismantle such illicit supply chains and ensure stability in the fuel distribution system.