A woman in Satkhira waited under scorching sun for petrol for her son’s motorcycle, underscoring ongoing fuel shortages and the strain on families relying on daily income.
A woman in southwestern Bangladesh has drawn widespread attention after she was seen standing in a long queue under the scorching midday sun to collect petrol for her son’s motorcycle, highlighting ongoing fuel shortages in the area.
The incident took place on Thursday at a filling station in Munshiganj area of Shyamnagar Upazila, where Bithika Baidya waited in line at the Demla Filling Station. A photograph of her standing patiently in the heat later went viral on social media.
Local sources said Bithika Baidya had come to collect fuel for her son Sagar Baidya’s motorcycle. The family lives in Munshiganj village under the same upazila.
According to Abdul Hakim, manager of the Demla Filling Station, fuel supply had remained suspended for several days following unrest and attacks on station employees. The disruption came after incidents of disorder and violence at the facility. On Thursday, distribution resumed on a union-based system.
Hakim said a large crowd gathered when Bithika Baidya arrived at the pump with the motorcycle, drawing public curiosity. She was eventually able to collect petrol.
Speaking about the situation, Bithika Baidya said her son earns a living by renting out his motorcycle and also works in agriculture. Due to the recent fuel shortage, he had been unable to operate the motorcycle for several days. On Thursday, he went out for agricultural labour, leaving her to collect petrol on his behalf.
