Debiganj UNO attacked while trying to restore order during fuel oil distribution

DEBIGANJ, PANCHAGARH, Apr 26: Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shabuz  Kumar Basak was attacked while trying to restore order during fuel oil distribution in Debiganj Upazila of Panchagarh. 
The incident occurred on Saturday noon at Jannatul Mawa Filling Station in Bhaulagach Union of the upazila.

According to filling station sources, a long line of motorcyclists had formed to collect fuel oil. However, most of the riders in line did not have the required fuel cards, vehicle registrations, and driving licences as per government directives. As a result, riders with valid documents were deprived of getting oil, leading to chaos at the scene. Unable to control the situation, the filling station authorities informed the UNO.

Upon receiving the news, UNO Shuvra Kumar Basak arrived at the scene around 12:30 pm. He ordered the riders without documents to leave the line and simultaneously fined two riders Tk 500 each.

Immediately afterward, a procession of over a hundred people arrived and attacked the UNO and those accompanying him. At that time, an attempt was made to snatch the government-issued weapon of an Ansar member deployed for the UNO's security. The injured Ansar member was admitted to the upazila health complex.

Eyewitnesses said that as the situation became heated, the UNO took refuge in a nearby house with the help of locals. Later, Debiganj police arrived at the scene and rescued him.

Regarding the matter, UNO Shuvra Kumar Basak said, "I went to the scene upon hearing of the deteriorating law and order situation. The attack occurred because I ordered riders without documents to leave the line and fined two individuals. There was also an attempt to snatch my security personnel's weapon."

Selim Malek, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Debiganj Police Station, said, "Police quickly arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. Oil sales at that filling station will remain suspended until further orders. Those involved in the incident will be identified and legal action will be taken."