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under the Special Powers Act, 1974.

At least two individuals have been identified in connection with the hoarding, said Additional District Magistrate Syed Mahbubul Haque.

A total of 18 drives were conducted in Chattogram, resulting in three cases and fines amounting to Tk 1.1 lakh. So far this month, 98 drives have been carried out, with Tk 4.3 lakh in fines collected and nearly 31,000 litres of diesel recovered.

In Rangamati, launch services on Kaptai Lake face possible suspension as the fuel shortage worsens.

Owners said operations may halt from Wednesday if supplies do not resume, affecting thousands in six upazilas. About 30-35 launches require 1,000-1,200 litres daily, but supplies have remained scarce since Eid.

“We will run out of fuel in a day or two. If launches stop, passengers will suffer greatly,” said Biswajit Dey, a lineman at Reserve Bazar pier.

Residents warned of higher fares and safety risks if forced to rely on small boats. Launch owners have appealed to the administration.

Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi said the issue is under review.

In Thakurgaon, authorities have introduced mandatory “fuel cards” for motorcyclists from April 5 to manage shortages that have persisted for over two weeks.

Long queues formed at UNO and DC offices as the card distribution began. Each cardholder will be allowed up to 15 litres within 12 days, while petrol is being rationed at Tk 200 per motorcycle at selected stations.

Fuel supplies were also disrupted after tanker workers in eight northern districts went on strike Sunday over the jailing of three colleagues in Nilphamari. The strike was called off later that night.

Scheduled fuel deliveries were delayed due to the disruption, said Thakurgaon Additional Deputy Commissioner Nazmul Haque Sumon.

“We are receiving only 3,000 to 4,000 litres every two to three days, instead of a full tanker daily,” said Bablur Rahman, owner of Supriya Filling Station.

Motorcycle riders have been hit hard. “After waiting four to five hours, fuel worth Tk 200 is not enough to carry out my duties. It affects both my company’s targets and my income,” said Ariful Islam, a pharmaceutical sales representative.

In Tangail, a mobile court yesterday fined M/S Elenga Filling Station Tk 25,000 for storing excess fuel without proper documents. Authorities found the station closed despite holding around 10,000 litres of diesel, 4,000 litres of octane and 2,000 litres of petrol.

Similar drives are being conducted across the district, said Executive Magistrate Sajibul Islam Shuvo.

In Moulvibazar, Border Guard Bangladesh has been deployed at three oil depots since March 25 to prevent hoarding and strengthen security.

Two platoons of Sreemangal 46 Battalion are on round the clock duty at Padma, Meghna and Jamuna depots, which together hold over 5 million litres of fuel.

Depot managers reported supplies are meeting demand, though distribution delays persist.

“There is no crisis in Moulvibazar and Habiganj. Fuel is being supplied daily as per demand,” said Jamuna Depot Manager Rashedul Islam.

Lt Col Sarkar Asif Mahmud, commanding officer of the Sreemangal 46 Battalion, said additional forces are deployed during oil arrivals from Chattogram.