Jobayer Hossain Ifti :

Gazipur: Authorities have disconnected gas supplies to six CNG filling stations in Gazipur over allegations of illegally supplying gas to covered vans, lorries and cylinders, along with other irregularities. M/s Riyaz & Co. Ltd. was fined Tk 2 crore, while five other establishments were collectively fined Tk 5 lakh, bringing the total penalty to Tk 2.05 crore.

The joint drive was conducted throughout Monday (October 12), starting at 11:00 am, by officials from the Gazipur Integrated District Office of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, and the Department of Explosives. Enamul Haque, Assistant Director of the ACC's Gazipur Integrated District Office, led the operation.

According to sources involved in the operation, inspections were carried out at several CNG filling stations following allegations that some operators were creating an artificial gas shortage by disrupting the designated supply to consumers and illegally supplying gas to covered vans, lorries and cylinders. During the drive, officials examined the classification of gas connections, supply systems and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

At Riyaz Filling Station, operated by M/s Riyaz & Co. Ltd., officials reportedly found irregularities concerning the classification and management of captive and CNG gas connections. The company was fined Tk 2 crore, and its gas connection was disconnected.

In addition, five other CNG filling stations were each fined Tk 1 lakh for allegedly supplying gas illegally to cylinders. The establishments are Mahbub Filling Station, Mam CNG Station, Al-Hera CNG Station, Bless CNG Station and Sushal CNG Station. Their gas connections were also disconnected.

Sources concerned confirmed that gas supplies to all six filling stations had been disconnected following the operation.

Enamul Haque, Assistant Director of the ACC's Gazipur Integrated District Office, said coordinated drives involving the relevant agencies would continue in the future to prevent irregularities, illegal gas supply and corruption in the gas sector.

Those concerned said regular monitoring and legal action were essential to prevent the unauthorised use and supply of gas. Such measures, they added, could help maintain discipline in the gas distribution system and ensure that ordinary consumers receive their designated gas supply.