DHAKA, April 11, 2026 (BSS) - The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has recovered around 50,000 litres of illegally hoarded edible oil during nationwide mobile court drives aimed at preventing an artificial supply crisis.

According to RAB, eight mobile courts were conducted across the country on April 10, during which executive magistrates imposed fines totaling Tk 361,200 on individuals and establishments involved in illegal stockpiling.

The force said it has recently intensified coordinated nationwide efforts to curb market manipulation by hoarders and black marketeers. Increased intelligence surveillance and regular mobile court operations are being carried out to ensure a stable supply of essential commodities.

In Chattogram, RAB conducted six drives in areas including Hathazari, Karnaphuli Mozzartek Bazar, Sadarghat, and Medical Road. 

During the operations, 45,549 litres of octane, petrol, diesel, and edible oil were recovered from illegal storage facilities, including residential flats and private warehouses.

Six establishments were fined a total of Tk 330,000 for offences such as illegal hoarding, lack of fire safety measures, and unhygienic production conditions. Additionally, 1,500 litres of expired oil were seized.

In Solonga area of Sirajganj, RAB recovered 700 litres of diesel and 500 litres of petrol from illegal stockpiles. Two individuals were sentenced to two months' imprisonment without labour and fined Tk 100 each.

In Faridpur, a petrol pump in the Kotwali area was fined Tk 30,000 for illegal fuel storage, while a motorcyclist was fined Tk 1,000 for carrying excess fuel.

RAB said that since its inception, it has been playing a vital role in maintaining law and order by conducting operations against crimes such as terrorism, illegal arms trading, drug smuggling, robbery, kidnapping, and fraud.

The elite force added that its regular patrols, intelligence monitoring, mobile court drives, and special operations will continue to prevent criminal activities and ensure market stability. 

Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone involved in illegal hoarding and activities that disrupt the supply chain.