An investigation report of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) revealed that nearly 5.5 lakh tonnes of coal has been stolen from Barapukuria Coal Mine. Earlier, the Energy Division admitted 1.44 lakh tons of coal went missing from its stock, prompting the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to file a case against 19 officials of Coal Mining Company and Petrobangla. The case is now pending trial.
Corrupt officials of the coal mine went on to claim that the missing coal was due to system loss. This huge theft was carried out and those responsible believed they could easily get away with it due to widespread corruption.
Moreover, the Energy Division failed to detect the problem or take the necessary steps to address the issue. Complacency in such cases is the reason corruption continues unchecked in every sector. Theft of our national resources must not be tolerated and the miscreants must be brought to justice.
Theft of our national resources must not be tolerated
and the miscreants must be brought to justice
Gross negligence and dishonesty on part of the higher officials is to blame for such a big theft. They simply failed to do their duties and as a result, the nation’s energy sector is suffering. According to news reports, 143,727.92 tons of coals were stolen from the mine from January 2006 till July 19, 2018. The estimated value of which is around Tk 243 crore. It is astonishing that such a huge amount of coal could be stolen. Questions arise as to who were the gatekeepers in charge of protecting the coal and how could they let such an incident take place.
Time and time again, the country’s resources are being plundered by corrupt officials. Our progress as a nation is hindered as disloyal government employees put their personal gains above the nation’s interest. It is more shameful that many others simply watch and do nothing when such injustices take place.
What is needed now more than ever is a culture of accountability. Exemplary punishment must be given to those responsible for the coal theft. Their accomplices should also be brought to justice so that in the future no one stands by as criminal activities take place.
