All petrol pumps across the Sylhet division have been declared closed for an indefinite period, as owners protest what they describe as “unreasonable” fines and various forms of harassment.
The decision was confirmed around 11:30 pm on Wednesday by business leaders of the sector. Jubayer Ahmed Chowdhury, President, and Humayun Ahmed, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distribution Agents and Petroleum Owners Association’s Sylhet Divisional Committee, jointly announced the program.
According to the leaders, the shutdown comes in response to several issues, including the deployment of tag officers at pumps, frequent financial audits by multiple agencies, police postings, and the imposition of large fines on several pumps. In protest, pump owners have decided to suspend fuel sales.
They claim that under the current conditions, it has become impossible for owners to operate any fuel stations in the Sylhet division, including those supplying CNG and LPG.
The leaders further stated that government representatives are welcome to operate the pumps if they wish, adding that they have no objection. However, they described the strict monitoring and penalties imposed by authorities as harassment.
Pump owners had attempted to meet with senior administrative officials since Wednesday evening to resolve the situation, but after no solution was reached, they held a meeting later that night and announced the indefinite closure.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
