Jasimuddin Iti Thakurgaon Correspondent
The common people have been facing extreme hardship as all petrol pumps in Thakurgaon district have suddenly closed without any prior announcement. Vehicle drivers and farmers have been facing difficulties due to lack of fuel.
On Wednesday (February 5), all petrol pumps in the city stopped supplying fuel after 10am. Cars crowded in front of the pumps to get fuel.
Petrol pump owners in the district claim that all pumps have been closed since morning due to central directives.
Enamul Haque, president of the Petrol Pump Owners Association, said the decision was announced through a notification signed by Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association (BPAOA) Rajshahi Division President and Central Committee Secretary General Md. Mizanur Rahman Ratan and Rajshahi Division General Secretary Md. Abdul Jalil on Tuesday (February 4) night.
The notice said that on Tuesday (February 4), the Roads and Highways Department of Naogaon district carried out a sudden eviction drive without any prior announcement or notice. The strike was called out of anger.
The notice further said, "We have been operating our business in accordance with the rules set by the government for a long time. Such behavior cannot be accepted even after paying regular revenue. Such an eviction drive has never been carried out in the past. This has created extreme anxiety and dissatisfaction among the petrol pump owners."
Drivers and farmers have been the most affected by the sudden shutdown of the pumps. Long queues of vehicles have been seen on various roads in the district.
Truck driver Mohammad Selim said, "I came to the pump in the morning and found it closed. I am stuck because there is no fuel in my car."
Meanwhile, farmers said they need diesel to irrigate their land, but they are in trouble because the pump is out of service.
Farmer Abdul Hakim said, "At this time, we have to water the Boro rice fields. But we are not getting diesel, how can we irrigate now?"
Motorcyclist Farooq said, "I left for work in the morning. There is no oil in the car and now the pump is not supplying oil. How can I go to work far away now? I request you to solve the problem quickly."
Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Israt Farzana was not available on phone despite attempts to contact her. No official response has been received from the government yet. However, the victims are demanding immediate action to reduce the suffering of the common people.
Jasimuddin Iti
01751079823//017470379985
Thakurgaon 5/02/25
