Photo : Messenger
The state-owned Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited (JGTDSL) has found itself mired in a web of irregularities and corruptions, which have been found running across all areas of its operations.
Integrity of the company officials has been called into question as reports suggest that individuals seeking employment were allegedly required to pay bribes to officials for recruitment – thereby often bypassing ministerial approval.
Furthermore, claims have arisen of officials demanding ‘speed money' for providing basic services.
According to the audit office, the audit team found 71 irregular officials who were appointed without concern for the relevant ministry. Of these, 33 are officers and 38 are staff. The Board of Directors has appointed the official, which is beyond their power.
State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, told The Daily Messenger that the government's commitment to transparency and accountability is of great need.
In response to concerns surrounding Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited (JGTDSL), he assured that any issues raised by the audit office would be thoroughly investigated. If individuals are found guilty of wrongdoing, appropriate punitive measures will be taken.
An official from the Energy Division corroborated the audit's concerns, emphasising that the Board of Directors cannot create positions without ministerial approval. Despite Jalalabad's explanations, the auditors remained unsatisfied and sought further clarification.
Furthermore, it has come to light that Jalalabad Gas Company promoted officials, altered their designations, and increased their compensation without the requisite permission from the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources.
In addition to these rule violations, the company has been shouldering mobile phone bills amounting to Tk 6,64,207, neglecting to impose source VAT for gas connection and re-connection. However, it is noteworthy that the company did not charge car rent from irregular employees, amounting to Tk 1,41,000.
The audit also unearthed irregularities related to home rent allowances for officials living in government dormitories. These individuals were found to be receiving home rent allowances, a practice that contravenes the (salary and area) order of 2015. The audit has called for justifications supported by valid documents.
Moreover, the audit discovered that Jalalabad Gas Company provided unauthorised financial benefits to its officials, including the waiver of electricity bills totaling Tk 22, 04,304 and bearing amusement expenses totaling Tk 7, 83,600. Furthermore, the company failed to pay the required financial charges for the unauthorised load under the gas distribution rules of 2014.
Mohammad Iqbal Hossain, Audit and Accounts Officer (Energy-1), has communicated with Jalalabad Gas Company, requesting clarifications and substantiating documents.
Muhammad Abul Hasnat, Manager (internal audit) at Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution System Limited, told The Daily Messenger that the ministry had been informed and the company would furnish the necessary explanations. However, Humayan Kabir Laskar, one of the directors of Jalalabad Gas Company, declined to discuss the matter with this correspondent.
Meanwhile, contractors and customers of Jalalabad Gas Company have been enduring the consequences of corruption and irregularities perpetuated by corrupt officials.
Contractors alleged they have been paying substantial bribes to secure tendered projects.
According to several contractors, compliance with official demands, particularly from figures like Liton Nandi, the engineer in charge, often bypasses the need for adherence to policies.
However, those who do not comply find their files stagnating on desks, collecting dust for years.
Engineer Liton Nandi, when questioned about these contractor complaints, deflected responsibility, stating that higher officials would address any allegations against him. Subsequently, he terminated the call, suggesting that inquiries be directed to the public relations department.
Despite multiple allegations of corruption against these officials, the managing director (ongoing duty), Engineer Manzur Ahmad Chowdhury, has remained reticent, raising questions about his response to the irregularities, corruption among officials, and audit objections at Jalalabad Gas. Numerous attempts to contact him for comment on these matters have gone unanswered.
Messenger/Disha
