The alleged network behind irregularities and illegal financial transactions at the Padma Oil Company Limited (POCL) depot in Godnail, Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, appears to run deep. Despite repeated drives, allegations of fuel theft from one of the country’s major state-owned fuel marketing companies have reportedly continued.

An investigation into why fuel theft has not stopped even during periods of severe fuel shortages has brought allegations against a fourth-class employee, Farukul Islam Fahad, who works as a checker at the depot. According to allegations, Fahad was given access to the mechanisms used in fuel handling, while senior officials remained behind the scenes. Locals allege that Fahad, who once struggled financially, has since acquired a lavish air-conditioned residence and assets worth crores of taka.

According to the investigation, Fahad, a fourth-class employee and an alleged supporter of the Awami League, has allegedly operated a syndicate for years and stolen large quantities of fuel. On June 3 last year, General Manager (Distribution and Marketing) Mohammad Zahid Hossain submitted a written request to the director of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) seeking action against Fahad over allegations of fuel theft and other irregularities.

Earlier, after a media report was published regarding fuel theft and irregularities at the depot involving Fahad’s alleged syndicate, an investigation committee was formed on January 11, 2024. After completing its investigation, the committee submitted a report on April 15 of the same year recommending departmental action against Fahad and his associates.

Despite the report, signed by then General Manager (Distribution and Marketing) Abul Kalam Azad, Fahad allegedly remained in his position along with his elder brother Anwar and 11 other employees. Meanwhile, the official who recommended action was transferred out of the corporation, according to the report.

Separately, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Narayanganj District Office issued a notice on April 10 last year seeking Fahad’s statement and supporting documents regarding allegations that he had accumulated illegal wealth through fuel theft. However, the ACC investigation has reportedly remained stalled for around one and a half years.

ACC Assistant Director Belayet Hossain, who issued the notice, said the investigation is ongoing and that details cannot be disclosed until it is completed.

Fahad has also been accused of organising protests and human chains demanding the removal of depot officials whenever they took a strong stance against fuel theft.

According to local residents, Farukul Islam Fahad is the son of late Abdul Hamid of the Bhandaripul area of Kadamtali Nayapara in Siddhirganj. He joined the Padma Oil Company Limited depot in the Barmashil area of Godnail, Siddhirganj, in 2011.

Locals allege that Fahad became a millionaire after gaining access to opportunities for fuel theft. He allegedly built a lavish house in the Kadamtali area at a cost of several crores of taka and accumulated assets in his own name and in the names of others.

When asked about the owner of the lavish house, Kulsuma Begum, a resident of the area, said sarcastically that six or seven years ago Fahad did not even have a water vessel to use in the bathroom, whereas he now owns what she described as a “palace.”

Golzar Hossain, a staff member of a fuel tanker and resident of Barmashil, alleged that Fahad’s syndicate steals and smuggles around 2,000 to 2,500 litres of jet fuel, 2,000 litres of diesel, and 4,000 litres of octane and petrol from the depot every day.

He alleged that 40 to 50 vehicles carry between 150 and 200 litres each, resulting in the daily removal of around 8,000 to 9,000 litres of fuel for sale outside the depot. At current prices, the value is reportedly more than Tk 1.2 million per day.

He further alleged that Kazi Mamun, Saiful and Robi are involved in the alleged jet-fuel operation; Shuvo and Shahin are involved in diesel; and Shah Alam, also known as Kala Shah Alam, is involved in octane and petrol. According to him, Robi, also known as Maigya Robi, oversees the alleged theft operation on Fahad’s behalf.

Asked about how an ordinary checker could wield such influence at the depot, local fuel trader Parag Mia alleged that Fahad had built the syndicate by using the influence of former Narayanganj-4 MP Shamim Osman during the Awami League government’s tenure.

He alleged that local and political influence had left depot officials largely powerless. Even after the fall of the Awami League government, Fahad’s alleged fuel theft has continued due to what he described as “invisible influence.”

Another local resident, Nazmul Hossain Sajib Kazi, alleged that despite the change in government, followers of Shamim Osman continue to exert influence in various government institutions across the district. He claimed this has allowed Fahad, whom he described as a supporter of the Osman family, to continue his alleged activities without consequence.

He further alleged that despite being a government employee, Fahad had previously participated in various Awami League programmes like a political activist and attended rallies organised by Shamim Osman with processions. According to him, during the Awami League period, Shamim Osman had allegedly instructed others not to interfere with the Padma depot, which allowed Fahad to become increasingly influential. He claimed Fahad’s influence remains strong.

Attempts were made several times to obtain Fahad’s statement at his workplace, but he could not be found. Security personnel at the depot said Fahad does not regularly attend the office and does not stay long when he does. Attempts to contact him at his residence were also unsuccessful, and he could not be reached on his mobile phone.

Godnail Padma Depot Manager Aminul Haque said he had recently joined the depot and that Fahad had been removed from his previous duties and assigned to the pump line. “He will no longer have the opportunity to steal fuel,” he said.

Regarding fuel theft outside the depot, Aminul Haque said the depot authorities are not responsible for theft from vehicles after they leave the facility. He added that he has personally witnessed fuel theft while travelling to and from the depot and is trying to take administrative measures to prevent such theft outside the facility.

Padma Oil Company Limited Managing Director Md. Mofizur Rahman, under Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, said he was not aware of the allegations of fuel theft against checker Farukul Islam Fahad at the Godnail depot. He said the matter would be investigated and necessary action would be taken.

Narayanganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Tarek Al Mehedi said law enforcement takes legal action whenever any crime comes to its attention. He said no complaint had been submitted to police against Farukul Islam Fahad. If a complaint is filed, he said, the allegations will be investigated and legal action will be taken if warranted.