Drums of petrol recovered from BNP leader's stable in Kurigram

A mobile court has recovered drums of petrol from the stable of a BNP leader in Roumari upazila of Kurigram. Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Rafiur Rahman confirmed this information on Saturday (March 28) morning.

Earlier on Friday evening, Executive Magistrate Rafiur Rahman seized the petrol after conducting a raid in Dantbhanga union of the upazila based on a secret tip-off. According to local sources, petrol was illegally stored in the stable of ward number 6 BNP president Abu Jahan's house. Along with the drums of petrol, various equipment for selling oil were also recovered during the raid.

A fine of Tk 10,000 has been imposed on the accused for illegal storage and selling at an excessive price under the Petroleum Act, 2016. Locals alleged that Jahan used to collect petrol from various pumps and sell it at an inflated price in the market through his son Ershadul Haque. It is alleged that petrol was sold for 200 to 250 taka per liter, and sometimes even 300 taka.

The accused Abu Jahan and his son Ershadul were not present during the raid. Later, Jahan's younger son Harunur Rashid paid the fine. However, he claimed that the petrol kept at home was stored for their personal use. However, he could not give a satisfactory explanation for the storage of such a large amount of oil.

In this regard, Roumari Upazila BNP Joint Convener Abul Hashem said that although the incident is personal, the matter will be investigated organizationally and necessary action will be taken.

The upazila administration said that such raids against illegal storage and sale of fuel will continue.