The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has launched a nationwide crackdown to stabilize the edible oil market and prevent manipulation by dishonest stockpilers. Over the past two days, mobile courts led by RAB executive magistrates conducted surprise raids in Dhaka’s Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Mohammadpur, and Tongi areas, as well as other parts of the country. Authorities identified 114,442 liters of illegally hoarded oil, imposed fines totaling 71,000 taka, and seized 22,642 liters on the spot.

In earlier operations on April 7, RAB-8 fined three businesses in Patuakhali Sadar 11,000 taka, while a special drive in Chattogram uncovered large-scale fraud and hoarding. Officials also seized 1,042 liters of oil that had been bottled without quality certification and labeled with fake company tags. In Nasirabad and Karnaphuli areas, RAB recovered 9,600 and 12,000 liters of illegally stored oil respectively, fining the involved businesses 60,000 taka.

RAB’s media wing stated that the operations aim to stop syndicates from creating artificial shortages and ensure market stability through continued surveillance and enforcement.