The Rajshahi Division’s Petrol Pump Owners-Workers Unity Council has launched an indefinite strike, shutting down all filling stations in the northern region in protest against an unannounced eviction drive by the Roads and Highways Department.
Fuel extraction and distribution have remained suspended since 8:00 am on Wednesday (February 5), following the decision by pump owners and workers.
A day earlier, on Tuesday, the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents, and Petrol Pump Owners Association’s Rajshahi Division President, Md. Mizanur Rahman Ratan, and General Secretary, Md. Abdul Jalil, issued a statement urging filling station owners in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions to halt fuel operations.
The statement condemned a sudden eviction drive by the Roads and Highways Department in Naogaon district, carried out without prior notice, formal letter, or announcement. Terming the move unjust and unreasonable, the association stated that it had left filling station owners frustrated and outraged.
As a result of the strike, fuel shortages have severely impacted vehicular movement, particularly affecting motorcyclists. Only those who stocked up on fuel in advance are able to continue using their vehicles.
A visit to petrol pumps across Rajshahi city revealed that all stations remained closed, forcing many customers to return empty-handed.
Sabbir Hossain, a motorcyclist at Gul Fofoor Petrol Pump in the city’s Shaheb Bazar area, expressed his frustration, saying, “I have been searching for fuel since morning. I visited three filling stations, but none were open. I don’t know what to do now. I might have to buy fuel at a higher price from other sources; otherwise, my vehicle will be unusable.”
Another customer, Abdullah Al Masud, criticised the abrupt shutdown, saying, “The sudden closure is causing immense suffering. We should have been informed at least two or three days in advance. This unannounced shutdown is unacceptable. The pumps should reopen as soon as possible.”
Repeated attempts to contact Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents, and Petrol Pump Owners Association’s Rajshahi Division President Md. Mizanur Rahman Ratan and General Secretary Md. Abdul Jalil for comment were unsuccessful.