Leaders of the Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association have demanded the deployment of army personnel alongside the police to ensure the security of fuel stations across the country.
During an urgent press conference held on Wednesday at a hotel in Malibagh, Dhaka, the association warned that closing pumps might be the only remaining option if the government fails to take effective and prompt action.
Association President Nazmul Haque presented seven additional demands alongside the call for army protection. These include ensuring a uniform fuel supply for all motorcycles, distributing fuel to both small and large pumps, and increasing daily fuel allocations.
The association further called for supplying fuel to agencies, pack points, and distributors, halting mobile court operations, imposing exemplary punishment for illegal stockpiling, and restricting unauthorised access to fuel depots.
Nazmul Haque criticised the government’s handling of the current situation, noting that while officials claim there is sufficient fuel, relevant authorities continue to ration supplies.
He stated that this indecision and these conflicting statements have fostered public distrust, leading to widespread panic and people rushing to pumps day and night.
He further highlighted that petrol pump owners have frequently become “adversaries” of their customers while managing this environment.
Haque emphasised that the government must take effective measures to ensure the safety of owners, staff, and pumps, reiterating that operations may otherwise have to shut down.
Addressing the public, the association president urged citizens not to panic unnecessarily and to respect government directives regarding rationing.
However, looking ahead to the Eid travel season, Haque cautioned that continued rationing could result in a “dire situation” during the holiday period. He urged the government to restore normal fuel allocations, specifically for octane and petrol.
