Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday sought stronger action against food adulteration, directing the formation of a three-member high-level committee to identify the challenges facing the relevant agencies and recommend measures to make them more effective.
He gave the directive at a meeting at his office in the Secretariat with officials involved in food safety, product quality control, anti-adulteration drives and mobile courts, said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla Sujon.

The committee will be comprised of Prime Minister's Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabiullah, State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari and Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani.

During the meeting, officials from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the city corporations highlighted a number of challenges they face in carrying out anti-adulteration drives. Maps

They sought more manpower at the district level, better laboratory facilities, modern equipment for field operations and greater powers for mobile courts.

The officials also said they often face security risks while taking action against influential people and organised syndicates involved in food adulteration and other irregularities.

The Prime Minister listened carefully to their concerns and assured them that the government will take steps to address the problems.

"Problems will always exist. Even then, we must move forward despite those challenges. We cannot afford to sit idle," Sujon quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Tarique Rahman noted that many countries that were once less developed than Bangladesh have made remarkable progress.

"We also have to move forward. If everyone works together sincerely, it is certainly possible. Everyone must be more responsible and conscious for the sake of the country," Sujon quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Highlighting the importance of public awareness, Tarique Rahman referred to the condition of Gulshan Lake.

"Many of our lakes are being filled with waste. Sadly, much of this waste is dumped by educated people in our society. Those who should be the most aware are often not. To change the country, government initiatives alone are not enough. Citizens must also show goodwill and act responsibly," he told the meeting.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, BSTI Director General Kazi Imdadul Haque and senior officials of the relevant agencies attended the meeting.

Dhaka: Serious allegations of administrative mismanagement, irregularities in promotions and transfers, delays in modernization, and the existence of an organized fuel theft syndicate have surfaced at the state-owned Meghna Petroleum Limited (MPL). The allegations have reportedly triggered growing dissatisfaction and concern among a section of the company's officers and employees, who are calling for an independent, high-level investigation and immediate government intervention to restore transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Concerns Over Board Leadership and Administrative Stagnation

According to the complainants, the company's operations have experienced significant stagnation since an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Secretary from the Ministry of Public Administration was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

They allege that the absence of regular board meetings and delays in policy decisions have stalled major development projects, administrative approvals, procurement activities, promotions, and transfer decisions. The complainants claim that the current leadership structure has adversely affected the organization's operational efficiency.

Allegations of Irregularities in Promotions and Transfers

Officers and employees have also expressed dissatisfaction over the promotion and transfer process.

The allegations include:

Discriminatory promotions: Qualified and experienced officers are allegedly being denied or subjected to prolonged delays in promotions, while efforts are reportedly being made to promote junior officers of the same grade in violation of existing rules and regulations.
Arbitrary transfers: Transfer decisions are allegedly being influenced by personal preferences and external pressure rather than established transfer policies, resulting in administrative disorder and workplace dissatisfaction.
Long-Term Posting of Two Officials Raises Questions

The complainants have further alleged that certain officials have remained in the same lucrative positions for unusually long periods, contrary to the organization's transfer policy.

According to the allegations:

Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Deputy General Manager (Operations), has reportedly served at the same workplace for approximately 27 years.
Md. Rashedul Haque, Manager of the Main Installation, has reportedly remained in the same posting for nearly 15 years.

The complainants argue that such prolonged postings have enabled a concentration of influence within the administration and are inconsistent with established transfer regulations.

Alleged Resistance to Automation and Modernization

The complainants also allege that sections of the board and senior management have shown reluctance to implement digital management systems and automation despite the government's broader digital transformation initiatives.

According to them, delays in adopting technology are intended to preserve opportunities for administrative irregularities that could otherwise be detected through automated systems. They argue that this has significantly slowed the modernization of the state-owned enterprise.

Allegations of Fuel Theft Syndicate

Among the most serious allegations is the claim that an organized network is involved in the theft and irregular distribution of petroleum products during import, storage, and nationwide distribution operations.

The complainants specifically identify Deputy General Manager (Operations) Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury and Main Installation Manager Md. Rashedul Haque as the alleged key figures behind the network. They claim that the alleged irregularities have continued for a prolonged period under their supervision. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Demand for Government Intervention

The aggrieved officers and employees have urged the government to appoint qualified, experienced, and professionally competent individuals to key management positions, including that of the Managing Director, to strengthen institutional governance and operational efficiency.

They further demanded the formation of an independent, transparent, and high-level investigation committee to examine the allegations.

In a statement, representatives of the concerned officers and employees said:

"We possess specific information and supporting evidence regarding the allegations. An impartial and transparent high-level investigation should be conducted to identify those responsible, and exemplary action should be taken in accordance with the law and relevant government regulations. Immediate government intervention is essential to protect and restore good governance at Meghna Petroleum Limited."

Attempts were made to contact the relevant senior officials of Meghna Petroleum Limited for their comments. However, no official response was available at the time of publication.

Ishraque Hossain is a well-known figure in Dhaka's political landscape. Beyond his political identity, he has earned recognition among many people for maintaining direct contact with citizens and personally listening to their concerns. Sunday, July 5, 2026, reflected that humanitarian aspect of his public life through an exceptionally busy day dedicated to serving people.

From morning until evening, his ministry office remained crowded with visitors seeking assistance. Some came requesting financial support for medical treatment, while others sought help with economic hardship or personal and family-related issues. Despite a demanding official schedule, Ishraque Hossain took the time to listen attentively to each individual.

Rather than turning away applicants, he reportedly made every effort to assist them. Financial assistance was arranged for some, while in other cases he immediately contacted hospitals and medical professionals to help ensure that necessary treatment could be provided.

Throughout the day, he balanced listening to people's concerns, making decisions, issuing necessary instructions, and overseeing political and organizational responsibilities. According to several people present at the office, despite ongoing preparations for upcoming national observances and political programs, he continued to prioritize public service.

Those who were present said that, even after hours of continuously hearing people's grievances, hardships, and expectations, there was no sign of irritation in his demeanor. Instead, they described him as patient, composed, and sincere. Many remarked that he appeared to be a tireless public servant, showing neither frustration nor fatigue. Although comparatively young, they noted that his conduct reflected maturity and steadiness.

One particular incident attracted the attention of those present. A young man named Al-Amin, who was reportedly injured during the July Movement, came to meet him. Al-Amin had lost a significant portion of one of his arms, including his wrist, due to injury.

After learning about his condition, Ishraque Hossain reportedly instructed the relevant medical professionals to assess the possibility of fitting him with a modern prosthetic hand and to take the necessary steps to facilitate the treatment. He also provided immediate financial assistance to help cover initial medical expenses and instructed that financial constraints should not become an obstacle to the required treatment. According to attendees, this humanitarian initiative received a positive response from those present.

A local political activist commented, "The people of Old Dhaka consider themselves fortunate to have Ishraque Hossain. He is not only involved in politics but also strives to stand beside people during difficult times. Listening to citizens for hours and taking immediate steps toward resolving their problems is not an easy task."

Ishraque Hossain's political journey has also attracted considerable attention. He is the son of the late Sadeque Hossain Khoka, former Mayor of Dhaka and a senior leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Following his father's political ideals, he became actively involved in politics.

He completed his O-Level and A-Level education at Scholastica School before earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. After completing his studies, he gained professional experience in the UK's automotive industry before returning to Bangladesh, where he became actively involved in both his family's business interests and politics. He also served as the Managing Director of the private television channel BanglaVision.

Ishraque Hossain came into the national spotlight after contesting the 2020 Dhaka South City Corporation mayoral election as the BNP-nominated candidate. Since then, his supporters say he has continued to maintain close contact with ordinary citizens by listening to their concerns and extending assistance whenever possible.

The article further states that he is currently serving as the State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and as a Member of Parliament.

According to those present, Ishraque Hossain spent nearly seven consecutive hours meeting citizens, listening to their problems, providing instructions, and following up on various matters. They said he remained attentive to ensuring that no one left without having their concerns heard. He also reportedly monitored waiting times and prioritized urgent cases whenever necessary.

Political observers often argue that one of the most important qualities of leadership is earning the trust of the people. Such trust is built not merely through speeches or promises, but by standing beside citizens during times of need. According to his supporters, Ishraque Hossain's close engagement with the public, patience, sense of responsibility, and compassionate approach distinguish him from many others. They believe these qualities will further strengthen his public acceptance and leadership in the future.

Even at the end of the day, as he left his office, a large crowd remained outside. Some people departed with expressions of gratitude, while others carried renewed hope. For many observers, the day's events illustrated the belief that when politics is driven by a genuine commitment to serving people, the trust and appreciation of citizens become a leader's greatest achievement.