Fuel Crisis Looms as Sylhet Pumps Go on Indefinite Strike
All types of petrol pumps in the Sylhet division have been declared closed for an indefinite period over allegations of “unreasonable” fines and various forms of harassment. The decision was confirmed by concerned business leaders at around 11:30 pm on Wednesday (April 1).
Zubayer Ahmed Chowdhury, President, and Humayun Ahmed, General Secretary of the Sylhet Divisional Committee of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distribution Agents and Petroleum Owners Association, called for this strike.
They said the decision to stop fuel sales was taken in protest against the appointment of tag officers at pumps, frequent financial inspections by various agencies, deployment of police, and the imposition of heavy fines on six pumps.
They claimed that under the current circumstances, it is not possible for owners to operate any pumps in the Sylhet division, including CNG and LPG stations.
Expressing frustration, they said that if government representatives wish, they can operate the pumps, and they have no objection to that. The owners view the strict monitoring and fines by the administration as harassment.
To resolve the situation, several owners had been waiting since the evening to meet senior administrative officials, but no resolution was reached. Following this, a meeting was held at night, after which the petrol pump owners announced this strict program.
