DHAKA, April 10, 2026 (BSS) - The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has strengthened its nationwide operations to prevent the artificial crisis of edible oil by taking strict measures against hoarders and unscrupulous traders. Since its inception, RAB has been playing a vital role in maintaining law and order by arresting criminals involved in murder, terrorism, extortion, illegal arms trade, drug trafficking, fraud, kidnapping, and other major offenses.  As part of its ongoing duties, the force has recently focused on controlling market instability caused by illegal stockpiling of essential commodities. To address the issue, RAB has enhanced intelligence surveillance and conducted coordinated mobile court drives across the country.  These operations are aimed at identifying illegal hoarding, preventing black marketing, and ensuring fair pricing in the market. On April 9, 2026, RAB conducted 20 mobile court drives nationwide.  During these operations, an abnormal stock of 165,025 liters of edible oil was detected, and fines totaling Tk 353,000 were imposed by executive magistrates. In specific operations, a warehouse in Feni was fined Tk 50,000 for illegal hoarding. In Jessore, a business was fined Tk 50,000 for storing 16,524 liters of soybean oil unlawfully.  In Rangpur, two establishments were fined Tk 60,000 for price irregularities and illegal stockpiling. In Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, a business was fined Tk 30,000 for hoarding 8,500 liters of edible oil, while in Narsingdi, a trader was fined Tk 10,000 for selling oil above the government-fixed price. Additionally, in Rupganj (Narayanganj), Demra (Dhaka), and Habiganj, four establishments were fined a total of Tk 153,000 for illegal production, hoarding, mislabeling, and overpricing of edible oil.  RAB also conducted monitoring operations in Savar, Pallabi, Shah Ali, and Cox's Bazar, where no major irregularities were found.  However, traders were instructed to remain cautious and avoid excessive stockpiling. In a separate operation in Jurain Bazar under Shyampur, authorities seized 1,705 sacks of government rice and 500 sacks of flour from an illegal stockpile.  The establishment was sealed, and the goods were handed over to the Directorate General of Food for further legal action. RAB officials stated that such operations-including patrols, intelligence surveillance, and mobile court drives-will continue to ensure market stability and prevent any form of illegal activity related to essential commodities.

SUNAMGANJ, April 10, 2026 (BSS) – The harvesting of Boro paddy has commenced across the haor regions of the district, with farmers expecting a successful harvest this season. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Boro was cultivated on 2,23,511 hectares of land in the district this year, surpassing the initial target by six hectares. The total production target for the season is estimated at approximately 1.4 million metric tons. Early varieties, specifically BRRI-96 and BRRI-28, are currently being harvested in the haors of Madhyanagar, Jamalganj, Shantiganj, and Bishwambharpur.  Farmers, such as Gafur Mia from Kharcharar Haor, noted that BRRI-96 has become increasingly popular over the last four years due to its high yield, low cultivation cost, and the fine quality of the rice.  To facilitate a swift harvest, the agricultural department has deployed 577 combined harvesters alongside 6,000 laborers.  Officials stated that sufficient fuel reserves are available for the machinery, and an additional 50 harvesters are being brought in from ACI Company to expedite the process. However, heavy rainfall and onrush of water from hill slopes have emerged as significant threats, causing waterlogging in several areas including Paknar, Tanguar, Dekhar, and Halir haors.  In response to the rising water levels, some farmers have begun harvesting half-ripe paddy to avoid total loss.  Mohammad Omar Faruk, Deputy Director of the Sunamganj DAE, confirmed that while the harvest is in its early stages, the popularity of these early varieties is growing because they allow farmers to secure their crops before the peak monsoon. He advised farmers to harvest their paddy as soon as it matures to mitigate the risks posed by the weather.  The DAE has also formally requested the authorities to provide incentives for farmers whose crops have been damaged by sudden waterlogging.