Fuel Card Check Clears Half-Kilometer Motorcycle Line
In Boda, Panchagarh, a fuel card verification process at a petrol pump caused a near half-kilometer long line of motorcycles waiting for fuel to vanish almost instantly. The incident occurred at the local Subhanaka Filling Station.
Reportedly, following a prior announcement that fuel would not be dispensed without fuel cards, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and Executive Magistrate Md. Rabiul Islam visited the pump on Saturday morning, April 4th, to enforce the directive. At that time, a line of motorcycles stretching half a kilometer was present. However, as soon as the card verification began, many motorcycles in the line quickly dispersed.
Mizanur Rahman, a 65-year-old from the Marea area, said that getting fuel at the pump had become like a battle. He often had to return without fuel after standing in line for a long time. However, he expressed satisfaction at being able to get fuel without any hassle due to the administration's oversight.
Rahmat Ali, who also came to the same pump for fuel, stated that the fuel card system has brought order. He believes that it has reduced suffering.
Ahsan Habib, a college teacher who came to get fuel at Boda Sabab Filling Station, said he was satisfied with getting fuel easily through the fuel card system and welcomed the initiative.
Jahangir Alam, a private employee, said that he had stood in line many times before without getting fuel. Now, it has become easier to get fuel through the card system by following the rules, which he urged to continue.
UNO Md. Rabiul Islam stated that regular monitoring is underway at the filling stations under the direction of the district administration. Fuel is not being given to motorcycles without a driving license, registration, tax token, and helmet. Additionally, fuel is being supplied to motorcycles from 9 AM to 6 PM.
He further added that applicants for fuel cards must download and print the form from the Upazila or District Administration's website or the District Administration's Facebook page and have it signed by the relevant authority. Fuel will not be dispensed under any circumstances without a card.
Furthermore, the supply of oil in plastic bottles, drums, or any other containers is prohibited. The sale of fuel oil in open markets, other than at filling stations and authorized dealer points, will also be বন্ধ (bandha - closed). The administration has stated that legal action will be taken against anyone found illegally hoarding fuel.
DBTech/KIS/EK
