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.