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  DHAKA, Nov 5, 2025 (BSS) – The government last month disconnected 7,170 unauthorized gas connections in a nationwide drive in October alone when concerned agencies carried out 698 operations, officials said today.

   “Through these operations, nearly 10 kilometers of various types of illegal gas supply pipelines were removed. A total of 51 mobile courts were carried out and Tk.5,159,000 was realized as fine,” Petrobangla spokesman Tariqul Islam Khan told BSS.

   Khan said the mobile courts filed 10 cases and two first information reports (FIRs) against factory owners, while two cases were filed against landowners and two cases against individuals related to illegal connections.

   The official said during the drives, the mobile courts also arrested 15 people and sentenced them to five days of imprisonment.

   A Petrobangla statement meanwhile said some dishonest individuals and institutions were using gas illegally causing frequent accidents and in cases resulting in deaths or exposing many to lifelong disabilities. 

   “Six gas distribution companies under Petrobangla, with the cooperation of local administration, regularly conduct operations including mobile courts to disconnect illegal gas connections,” the statement said. 

   The six distribution companies under Petrobangla are: Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, Bakhrabad Gas Distribution Company Limited, Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited, Pashchimanchal Gas Company Limited, Karnaphuli Gas Company Limited and Sundarban Gas Company Limited. 

   Petrobangla warned that owners of factories and households would be penalized and even imprisoned under Gas Act, 2010 and other prevailing laws.

   The Petrobangla urged everyone to provide information about illegal gas connections, refrain from using illegal gas, regularly pay gas bills and be economical in gas usage.