Rising international fuel prices amid the Middle East war have sparked fears of fuel smuggling, prompting the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to boost personnel, intensify patrols, and strengthen search operations at the Jessore border.
A press release from the Jessore Battalion (49 BGB) on Friday (March 6) said that under BGB headquarters’ directives, special surveillance has been launched across the battalion’s responsible areas. Additional BGB members have been deployed at the Benapole land port and at the Sharsha and Chougaccha border points in Jessore. Patrolling has been intensified, and intelligence monitoring increased to curb smuggling.
Temporary checkpoints were set up at key locations to inspect vehicles, with extra caution at points previously targeted for diesel and petrol smuggling. Trucks carrying domestic and Indian goods entering India via the Benapole land port gate are also being strictly inspected.
Lt Col Saifullah Siddique, commander of the Jessore 49 BGB Battalion, said: “Personnel have been increased, and special patrol and intelligence activities intensified in border areas. Strict monitoring is maintained over suspicious transport and movements. BGB members are on maximum alert to prevent any fuel smuggling. We will safeguard the country’s fuel resources and take strict legal action against those involved in smuggling.”
Meanwhile, fear of a fuel shortage has led bikers in Jessore to crowd fuel pumps, often demanding more fuel than needed. Many pumps have run dry, with only a few providing octane and no petrol. Long lines have formed at these pumps.
Pump officials said that while reserves are expected to last until Sunday, the excess demand from bikers may deplete fuel sooner, creating a local shortage.
