Fuel shortage sparks violence, journalist assaulted in Natore

Tensions over fuel shortages turned violent in Natore, where a petrol pump manager was beaten and a journalist was attacked in separate incidents on Tuesday.

The first incident took place in the Hafrasta area, where the manager of a local fuel station was assaulted after refusing to sell petrol in a jerrycan. Witnesses said the attacker fled after locals chased him away, leaving the manager injured.

Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam of Natore Sadar Police Station said action would be taken if a formal complaint is filed.

Later, angry bikers blocked the Natore-Dhaka highway in the Mokrampur area after a nearby filling station ran out of fuel, causing heavy traffic congestion. Police from Jhalmalia Highway Police Station intervened and brought the situation under control, said its Officer-in-Charge Mahabur Rahman.

In another incident the same night, journalist Omar Faruk was attacked while trying to take photos of alleged illegal fuel storage at a filling station in Lalpur.

The incidents highlight growing frustration among people as fuel shortages continue to affect daily life in the area.