In a decisive late-night operation, police in Burdigang, Comilla District, intercepted a diesel smuggling attempt, arresting five individuals in the process. The incident occurred on Thursday, 12 March, at approximately 9:30 pm near the premises of Messrs Madina Filling Corporation in Najira Bazar.
The Acting Officer-in-Charge of Burdigang Police Station, Mohammad Lutfor Rahman, confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation was carried out following credible intelligence reports. “We received information that certain unscrupulous individuals were exploiting the current fuel shortage to procure diesel from Najira Bazar with the intent of selling it illegally on the black market,” he said. “Acting on this information, our team immediately launched an operation to prevent the crime.”
During the raid, a blue pickup truck was stopped. Officers recovered a total of 500 litres of diesel, stored in one plastic drum and two metal drums. The estimated market value of the seized fuel is BDT 50,060. In addition to the diesel, an old Sakura generator was also found in the vehicle.
The suspects attempted to flee upon noticing the police presence; however, all five individuals were successfully apprehended. Notably, one of the detainees is the manager of the filling station from which the diesel was being collected.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
| Name | Age | District/Upazila | Designation/Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nihar Baral | 39 | Barisal District | Smuggler |
| Rakib Hossain | 24 | Lakshmipur District | Smuggler |
| Md. Nur Uddin | 28 | Chattogram District | Smuggler |
| Md. Ismail Hossain | 26 | Noakhali District | Smuggler |
| Ratan Chandra Das | 50 | Comilla District, Burdigang | Filling Station Manager |
Officer Rahman added that during interrogation, the detainees admitted to planning to profit from the ongoing diesel shortage through illegal procurement and resale. Legal proceedings against them are currently underway.
The operation highlights the effectiveness of local intelligence networks and proactive policing. The officer stressed the importance of preventing fuel smuggling, particularly during times of national shortages. The raid has sent a strong message to potential traffickers in Burdigang, reinforcing the community’s sense of security and law enforcement presence.
By recovering 500 litres of diesel and apprehending five suspects, police have disrupted a significant smuggling attempt, demonstrating their commitment to curbing black-market activities in the region.