UNO attacked at fuel station in Panchagarh

An Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) came under attack while trying to restore discipline in fuel distribution at a filling station in Panchagarh’s Debiganj upazila on Saturday noon.

The incident took place around 12:30 PM at M/S Jannatul Mawa Filling Station in Bhaulangunj union of the upazila.

According to eyewitnesses, a long queue of motorcyclists had formed to collect fuel, but most of them did not have the required documents, including fuel cards, vehicle registration and driving licences, as per government directives. This deprived compliant drivers and led to disorder at the station. Failing to control the situation, authority informed the UNO.

Being informed, UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak rushed to the spot and instructed drivers without valid documents to leave the queue. He also fined two riders Tk 500 each.

Shortly afterwards, a procession of over a hundred people suddenly attacked the UNO and his team. During the attack, an Ansar member assigned to his security was injured and there was an attempt to snatch his government firearm.

Following the incident, the situation turned tense, forcing the UNO to take shelter in a nearby house with the help of locals.

Later, police from Debiganj Police Station reached the spot and rescued him and the injured Ansar member was admitted to Debiganj Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Speaking on the matter, UNO Sabuj Kumar Basak said he went to the scene after being informed of a deteriorating law and order situation, and the attack occurred after he asked undocumented drivers to leave and fined two individuals.

Debiganj Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Selim Malek said police brought the situation under control and fuel sales at the filling station would remain suspended until further notice.

Legal action would be taken against those involved, added the OC.

HCR/AM