Public life in Urirchar, an offshore island under Sandwip Upazila in Chattogram, has reached a near standstill due to a severe fuel crisis, prompting the district administration to intervene.
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zahidul Islam Mia has issued urgent directives to the relevant authorities to ensure the immediate restoration of fuel supplies to the island.
Home to approximately 40,000 residents, Urirchar is heavily dependent on agriculture, with waterways serving as the primary means of transportation for both passengers and commercial goods. The island’s internal transport relies on diesel-powered trolleys, while farming activities are almost entirely dependent on tractors.
However, fuel supplies have virtually ceased recently, reportedly due to the global energy crisis and a refusal by licensed dealers to facilitate the procurement process. While fuel was previously supplied from Chattogram through Padma Oil Company via these licensed intermediaries, the system has reportedly collapsed as dealers are allegedly unwilling to use their licenses to procure fuel for the island.
The matter was brought to the attention of the district administration on Thursday through a written application by Yunus Khan Poyel, a resident of Urirchar and former Joint General Secretary of Chattogram North District Chhatra Dal.
Upon receiving the application, DC Zahidul Islam Mia personally heard the details of the crisis from the applicant and immediately directed the Sandwip Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Mongchingnu Marma, to take necessary action.
“The Upazila Nirbahi Officer has been instructed to resolve the issue,” the Deputy Commissioner said, assuring a swift end to the crisis. He further noted that the UNO will coordinate with dealers to arrange the fuel supply, adding that the administration is taking rapid steps to ensure that the livelihoods and agricultural activities of the islanders are not further disrupted.
Following the directive, Poyel confirmed that the UNO’s office has already contacted him, providing assurances that the problem would be solved quickly and fuel shipments would be dispatched to Urirchar shortly.
