Two employees of Chattogram Port have been temporarily suspended over allegations of attempting to smuggle 4,256 litres of diesel from the port’s restricted area.
The suspended employees are Port Storekeeper Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Senior Storeman Sanjay Kumar Dey.
Port Chief Engineer Mirza Rakibul Islam confirmed the suspensions on Tuesday, saying the orders were issued on Sunday.
A four-member investigation committee has been formed to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and assess the financial losses. Headed by the port’s Executive Engineer (Mechanical), the committee has been asked to submit its report within seven working days.
According to port sources, 18,000 litres of diesel were procured from Jamuna Oil PLC on October 15 for Zonal Workshop D under the port’s Mechanical Department.
However, instead of transferring the entire consignment to the designated storage tank, an attempt was allegedly made to smuggle 4,256 litres of diesel out of the facility. The two employees reportedly assisted the vehicle in leaving the port.
Members of the Naval Intelligence agency later intercepted the vehicle near Gate No. 1 in the port’s jetty area, opposite the chemical shed.
