A parliamentary watchdog on Tuesday asked the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to identify the officials responsible for the government revenue loss of Tk 19,93,13,519 through irregularities in transporting petroleum products.At its 118th meeting in Parliament, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts said it wants to know about the steps taken by the authorities to identify those responsible for the irregularities as well as to realise the revenue loss through the Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) in two months’ time.
A loss of Tk 13,40,27,491 was reported during the Jet A-1 fuel transport from Godainol depot to Kurmitola Aviation depot by BPC while Tk 6,52,865,028 in another fuel transport without tender by Meghna Petroleum Ltd, according to audit objections.
The Standing Committee also sought explanation why the BPC has resumed petroleum transport on the route from Chittagong via Godainol to Baghabari, instead of the direct route between Chittagong and Baghabari.
The authorities must submit explanation through the CAG as to why the transport of petroleum goods via Godainol was carried on despite the factor that there is a contract with the tanker owners to carry the petroleum on the direct route between Chittagong and Baghabari.
The audit objection in this regard noted that there has been a Tk 1,94.24,795 revenue loss due to the double transportation of petroleum via Godainol.
Presided over by committee chairman MA Mannan, the meeting was also attended by Chief Whip Abdus Shahid, parliament members Ali Ashraf, Sayedul Haque, Khan Tipu Sultan, Narayan Chandra and Farida Khatun.
CAG Masud Ahmed along with other audit officials were also present.
(Source: UNB)