Md. Nur Islam Noyon:
All petrol pumps in Dinajpur, like other districts of Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, have been closed in protest against the sudden eviction drive by the Roads and Highways Department in Naogaon district. Oil extraction, marketing and transportation activities at all petrol pumps in the district have been suspended indefinitely from 8 am on Wednesday (5 February 2025).
The Dinajpur District Petrol Pump and Fuel Oil Distributor Owners Group said in an emergency statement on Tuesday (February 4) that they have gone on strike to protest the eviction drive carried out without any prior notice.
The pump owners claim that they have been operating their businesses in compliance with government-approved licenses and policies for a long time. But the administration’s sudden eviction drive is extremely unfair.
One pump owner said,
“We do business according to the rules, pay taxes, and follow government instructions. Why are such steps still being taken against us?”
Petrol pump owners complain that such measures are creating panic among traders and increasing instability in the fuel sector.
A member of the Dinajpur Petrol Pump Owners Association said, “We do business by following every government rule and play an important role in the country’s economy. But how can we do business if such a raid is carried out without any notice?”
The sudden strike has led to a severe fuel crisis in Dinajpur city and surrounding areas. Drivers, businessmen and the general public have been suffering.
Abdul Hannan, a bus driver in the city, expressed his anger and said,
“When I came to get petrol in the morning, I found all the pumps closed. I didn’t know about the strike. How will I drive now? Such a decision has put us at serious risk.”
Sumon Hossain, a student at Haji Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology, said,
“There are classes, but there is no oil in the bike. I went to four pumps in the city and couldn’t get any oil. I have to take a rickshaw, which is a waste of time and money.”
On the other hand, many people are forced to buy oil from retailers at higher prices due to the lack of fuel. The victims have complained that some unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of the shutdown of the pumps and charging 10-15 taka more per liter.
It is feared that the strike may disrupt the district’s vital transport system. However, no official response has been received from the district administration on this matter yet.
Petrol pump owners have claimed that if the administration does not accept their demands quickly, the strike may be prolonged.
Businessmen and the general public have demanded the intervention of the relevant authorities for a quick solution to this issue.
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