Speedboat Meant for River Patrol Lies Idle, Yet Fuel Allocation Continues

A speedboat allocated to the River Police in Rajshahi several years ago—intended to prevent erosion along the Padma River banks, assist flood-hit communities, and conduct rapid rescue operations during river accidents—has now become almost non-functional.

Despite the boat remaining largely inactive, records show it still receives around 200 liters of fuel every month, raising questions: if the vessel isn’t running, where does all that fuel go?

According to River Police sources, the speedboat was formally handed over in August 2023 with provisions for regular fuel supply. Locals, however, allege that while it operated briefly in the early days, it has been completely idle for over a year.

When visited recently at the T-bond area ghat, the police speedboat was seen parked among a row of other operational vessels, gathering dust. Residents say they have not seen it on the water in months.

“We regularly see the DC’s boat and the BGB’s boat moving. But the police boat? Never. It used to run a little, now it’s totally useless,”

said Anisul, a local resident.

Communities living in nearby river islands echoed the same frustration. They say that during floods or emergencies, the police boat is nowhere to be found, forcing them to rely on rented trawlers or fishermen’s boats.

“Just a few days ago, water levels rose sharply. Crossing was a nightmare. The police speedboat could have helped—but it was of no use,”

said Enamul Haque, a villager from Char Majardia.

Official Claims vs. Ground Reality

River Police officials insist the boat is regularly used for patrols. But when asked to produce the vessel’s logbook, officers became evasive.

At first, the local in-charge said the logbook was with the driver, who was not present. When the driver was summoned, he claimed it was kept at the SP office. At the SP office, officials suggested it was stored at police headquarters in Dhaka. Later, another officer insisted the logbook was indeed in Rajshahi.

When pressed further, the local unit chief abruptly ended the conversation, saying only: “If you find irregularities, publish your report.”

Where Does the Fuel Go?

Investigations suggest that the allocated fuel is not being used for the speedboat at all. Multiple sources allege it is diverted for personal use by senior officials or for other vehicles. These suspicions have also circulated quietly within the police force itself.

When contacted, KM Ariful Haque, SP of the River Police’s logistics and fleet division, said:

“All speedboats are in working order. The government bears the operational costs. For further details, you should ask the respective unit heads.”

The gap between the official statement and the situation on the ground, however, continues to fuel public doubt.