Police have arrested a retail fuel seller for selling fuel at prices higher than those set by the government. The accused, identified as Zakir Molla, was caught red-handed selling fuel at more than double the permitted rate.
Although he was allowed to sell fuel at Tk 120 per litre after purchasing it at Tk 80 per litre through an auction, he was found selling it at Tk 200-250 per litre.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhatara Police Station, Md Mazharul Islam, confirmed the matter on Thursday (April 2).
According to sources at the National Security Intelligence (NSI), Zakir Molla had recently purchased 700-800 litres of diesel and octane through an auction conducted by the Special Metropolitan Magistrate of the Gulshan Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The fuel had previously been seized during raids against illegal hoarding.
The intelligence agency learnt that he was selling the fuel at inflated prices to retail customers. Acting on this information, the NSI initiated surveillance and later confirmed the allegations.
Subsequently, in coordination with Bhatara Police Station, a raid was conducted during which Zakir Molla was detained along with the seized diesel and octane.
OC Mazharul Islam said the accused had been reselling auction-purchased fuel at excessive prices. Following the operation, the NSI handed him over to the police.
He added that a case would be filed against Zakir Molla in accordance with the law.