An inquiry has been ordered against the MD of Titus Gas Transmission and Distribution Company for providing gas connections to industrial establishments in the name of the Prime Minister. The Division of Energy and Mineral Resources has been asked to inform the Prime Minister's Office by taking appropriate action.
The letter sent from the Prime Minister's office on August 29 (letter number 03.00.2690.078.27007.2020-111) was signed by Director-11 Rupali Mandal. The letter "Subject: Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (Honorable Prime Minister) used to receive ‘bribe’ by name: In relation to taking action on various irregularities including provision of gas connection to industrial establishments".
It is stated in the letter, that the source letter and attachments are attached herewith. It is requested to inform the Prime Minister's Office after taking appropriate measures as per the rules after examining the matters mentioned in the letter. It is mentioned as a source, the Principal Secretary of the Prime Minister. A self-explained complaint letter by Latif is attached herewith.
It is said in that complaint, in the application of an organization called Silver Net Composite, it is said in the written instructions that the Minister will talk to the representative from his office. Despite the fact that there is no signature or recommendation from the office of the Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Sheikh Hasina, or the office of State Minister Nasrul Hamid. The files of the two institutions were quickly passed by attaching an application that was about 6 months old, only by accepting the ‘bribe’ and following the rules. In places like Titas Gas, one of the most important institutions in the energy sector, he used the Prime Minister's reference to get two documents passed overnight in exchange of money illegally.
An application of M/s Silver Knit Composite Textiles Ltd. has been annexed to it. In that application, DGM (G) gave a note that 'the Minister will discuss the matter sent from the office' and the Managing Director took the lead with that note. A reference to such a sensitive place has been given, but many consider it a complete conspiracy to approve that reference without any verification.
In the complaint, various other irregularities of Titas Gas have been mentioned. It said system losses have increased since the current MD joined. Where earlier there was 5 to 6 percent system loss, now it is showing 8 to 9 percent. Actually the system loss will be 12 to 13 percent. This is the highest loss since Titas gas was created.
Apart from this, many allegations have been made including corruption in recruitment of manpower in outsourcing, misuse of multiple vehicles.
Energy and Mineral Resources Division Joint Secretary (Administration-2) Mohammad Farooq Hossain told Barta24.com that we have received the letter sent by the Prime Minister's office. A file has been opened in this regard. If the file is approved, it will be forwarded to Petrobangla for taking necessary action.
Joint Secretary Mohammad Farooq Hossain said that the letter can be sent to Petrobangla within this week.
Engineer Harunur Rashid Mollah, Managing Director of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company told Barta24com, "I don't know anything about the letter from the Prime Minister's office.
He said, a group is active to remove me from the chair. They are trying to spread various propaganda. There is no question of using the name of the Prime Minister. A group is unhappy with Titas taking action against some of its unscrupulous employees. They are spreading false information.