72,000 litres (L) of jet fuel vanished while being transported from Narayanganj’s Godnail to Kurmitola Depot in Dhaka, with investigation report still pending 23 days after probe committee formation.

Allegations suggest investigation has stalled due to lack of ‘green signal’ from influential syndicate within Padma Oil Company. Multiple meetings between probe team and main accused official have raised neutrality concerns.

Theft occurred on March 11. Three-member investigation team led by Padma Oil Deputy General Manager (Audit) Mohammad Shafiul Azam was formed on March 14. Despite high-level government directive to submit report within one or two days, findings remained unreleased until Thursday (April 2).

Reliable sources confirmed main accused Kurmitola Aviation Depot Manager Mohammad Saidul Haque was questioned during investigation. However, probe team members were seen meeting him several times even after completing inquiry, raising questions about impartiality. Concerned individuals alleged accused is exerting influence.

Investigation revealed four tanker lorries scheduled to deliver fuel to Kurmitola Depot on March 11 were not seen entering premises in CCTV footage. Probe team conducted on-site inspection on March 14-15, examining CCTV footage and fuel stock to find preliminary theft evidence. Officials identified major shortfall in depot’s stored fuel quantity.

Following preliminary evidence, Saidul Haque was removed from Kurmitola Depot. On March 15, Padma Oil General Manager (Human Resources and Administration) Mir Mohammad Fakhruddin signed transfer order posting him as in-charge of Third Terminal Project at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. His transfer to this crucial project created surprise within organisation. Mohammad Ridwanur Rahman from Daulatpur Depot replaced him.

When asked about investigation, Padma Oil Managing Director Mohammad Mofizur Rahman said, “Investigation team is conducting on-site inspection and verifying everything. We are busy meeting fuel demand, so report is taking some time. Necessary action will be taken upon receiving report”.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Secretary Shahina Sultana stated probe team requested additional time for fair investigation, which was granted.

Theft allegations against Saidul Haque are not new. Authorities issued warning letter on January 20 last year. On February 17 this year, BPC formed another investigation committee over continuous theft allegations. Anti-Corruption Commission is also investigating him for certificate forgery and acquiring assets inconsistent with income.

ACC sources revealed Saidul Haque is younger brother of Padma Oil’s former labour leader Mohammad Aminul Haque. He owns two luxury flats in Banani, Dhaka and expensive private vehicles. He faces allegations of salary certificate forgery while taking bank loan in 2019. Despite numerous allegations, his repeated assignment to important depots indicates clear syndicate influence.