Dhaka: Law enforcement agencies have significantly bolstered their operations nationwide to combat illegal hoarding, smuggling, and market manipulation of fuel and edible oil. These efforts aim to maintain a stable supply and shield consumers from artificial price hikes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has expanded its nationwide drives, employing coordinated mobile court operations, intelligence surveillance, and field-level monitoring. These operations primarily focus on curbing illegal stockpiling and black marketing of essential commodities. On April 9, RAB conducted 20 mobile court drives across the country, uncovering approximately 165,025 litres of illegally stored edible oil. Executive magistrates imposed fines totaling Tk 353,000 on individuals and businesses involved in hoarding and price manipulation.
In separate operations, authorities have fined multiple establishments in districts including Feni, Jashore, Rangpur, Moulvibazar, Narsingdi, Narayanganj, and Dhaka for offenses such as illegal storage, overpricing, and mislabeling of edible oil products. A warehouse in Feni and a business in Jashore were each fined Tk 50,000, while two establishments in Rangpur faced combined penalties of Tk 60,000. RAB also recovered large quantities of fuel and oil in other drives. On April 10, eight mobile courts seized nearly 50,000 litres of illegally hoarded fuel and edible oil, including 45,549 litres in Chattogram alone. Six establishments were fined Tk 330,000 for violations ranging from unsafe storage to unhygienic production conditions.
Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified intelligence-based operations both along the borders and within the country to prevent smuggling and illegal stockpiling. The force is maintaining heightened surveillance on suspected routes, vehicles, vessels, and warehouses. In a joint operation with RAB in Rupganj, Narayanganj, authorities raided a warehouse and seized approximately 2,000 litres of illegally stored soybean oil. The oil was reportedly being repackaged using counterfeit labels, posing serious risks to public health. The warehouse has been sealed, and legal proceedings are underway.
BGB data showed that in the first three months of 2026, around 5,425 litres of edible oil have been seized, reflecting ongoing enforcement efforts. Over the past two years, the force has confiscated more than 43,000 litres of illegally traded oil. In addition to edible oil, BGB has also taken strict measures against illegal fuel hoarding and trafficking. Special drives in border areas such as Naikhongchhari have targeted fuel stations, warehouses, and suspected smuggling hubs. Officials warned that such activities threaten national energy security and economic stability.
To strengthen enforcement, BGB is collaborating closely with the army, RAB, police, customs authorities, and local administrations through joint task force operations. These coordinated efforts include regular patrols, special checkpoints, and expanded monitoring beyond traditional border zones when necessary. Authorities have also launched public awareness campaigns in border communities to discourage participation in smuggling and illegal stockpiling. Local residents are being encouraged to report suspicious activities to nearby security forces.
Officials from both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining market stability, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, and protecting consumer rights. They warned that strict legal action will continue against individuals or groups involved in hoarding, smuggling, and other illegal practices. With major festivals approaching, including Pahela Boishakh and Eid-ul-Azha, enforcement agencies have further heightened vigilance to prevent any disruption in supply chains and to safeguard public interests.