ছবি: Photo: Collected
A well-organized syndicate is operating in the shadows of Sirajganj's Baghabari Port, stealing thousands of liters of diesel and octane daily from oil-carrying vessels on the Baral River. The stolen fuel is smuggled into the black market, causing the government to lose hundreds of crores of taka annually. This illegal operation involves a powerful network, including ship crews, corrupt officials, and local criminals, all working under the cover of darkness.
The Modus Operandi
The theft occurs under the cover of night, with small boats docking near oil-laden ships. Using specialized techniques, the thieves siphon fuel from the ships' pipelines into drums, which are then transported to the black market. The operation is meticulously planned, with lookouts stationed around the area to alert the syndicate of any potential threats. Despite the scale of the theft, local law enforcement appears to turn a blind eye, raising questions about their involvement.
The Key Players
The syndicate is led by a notorious figure known as Langra Swapan, who operates with a network of accomplices, including Faruk Hossain, Omar Haji, and Motaleb Hossen. These individuals, once known for controlling labor at the port, have now shifted their focus to fuel theft. The network also includes over 40 members from nearby villages, who play various roles in the operation, from siphoning fuel to providing security. Local law enforcement and port officials are allegedly complicit, allowing the syndicate to operate with impunity.
The Black Market Trade
The stolen fuel is distributed through a well-established black market network. After being siphoned from the ships, the fuel is stored in local warehouses before being sold at prices 10-15% lower than the government rate. During peak agricultural seasons, the demand for diesel surges, leading to increased theft. The syndicate reportedly steals between 50,000 to 70,000 liters of fuel daily, amounting to an estimated annual loss of 700 crore taka for the government.
Systemic Corruption
The theft is facilitated by systemic corruption within the port's operations. Ship crews and port officials manipulate records to conceal the missing fuel, using tactics such as falsifying documents and tampering with measuring devices. In some cases, water is mixed with the remaining fuel to disguise the theft. Despite the blatant nature of the operation, no significant action has been taken to address the issue.
Local Authorities Turn a Blind Eye
When contacted, local police and port officials denied any knowledge of the thefts. Shahjadpur Thana Officer-in-Charge Aslam Ali claimed to have no records of fuel theft complaints, while Baghabari Port's responsible officer, SM Sadekin, remained unresponsive. Shahjadpur Upazila Executive Officer Kamruzzaman stated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Petroleum Corporation, and the local administration has no direct authority to intervene.
This rampant theft not only results in massive financial losses for the government but also disrupts the supply chain, affecting industries and agriculture dependent on these fuels. Despite the glaring evidence, the lack of action from authorities raises serious concerns about governance and accountability in the region.
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