STAR REPORT

Public sufferings caused by the nationwide fuel crisis have intensified, with many desperately trying to get fuel cards from the district and upazila administrations.

Meanwhile, the government has continued its drive against fuel hoarders in several districts.

In Narayanganj, a mobile court led by the district administration seized around 9,100 litres of fuel near the Meghna Petroleum Ltd depot in Siddhirganj and jailed one person named Md Sifat for two months last evening.

The court conducted by Executive Magistrate Rashed Khan also fined him Tk 6,000.

In Sirajganj, motorcyclists thronged the Deputy Commissioner’s Office yesterday morning, demanding fuel cards for purchasing petrol and octane, prompting authorities to extend the issuance deadline till April 4.

A directive earlier issued on Monday by DC Md Aminul Islam said no vehicle would be allowed to purchase fuel without a card from today.

Around 3,000 people from nine upazilas and the municipality have received their cards till yesterday afternoon.

DC Aminul said, “Many motorcyclists refuel frequently, creating artificial pressure on the supply. With these cards, we are issuing a 15-day fuel allotment based on users’ needs.”

Cardholders will need to renew their allotment at the DC office every 15 days.

To obtain a fuel card, applicants must submit photocopies of their NID card, vehicle registration papers, valid driving licence, fitness certificate, tax token, a passport-sized photograph, and professional documents to justify fuel needs.

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