PMO to probe coal scam

Prime Minister Office (PMO) will investigate the disappearance of around 142,000 tonnes of coal from Barapukuria mine, authoritative sources told the Daily Observer. This investigation will be conducted simultaneously with the Anti-Corruption Commission's investigation.

However, the Consumers' Association of Bangladesh (CAB) will also investigate the issue in its own way. Earlier, Petrobangla had conducted an investigation into the coal scam and filed a case accusing the managing director (MD) and 18 other former and current officials of Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited (BCMCL).

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants detailed investigation into the disappearance of around 142,000 tonnes of coal from Barapukuria Coal Mine. She sat with the officials concerned on Thursday and directed them to form a high-powered committee," a senior official said. In the meeting, the Prime Minister also asked the Energy Division to take necessary measures to restart the 525-MW coal-fired power plant as soon as possible to stop sufferings of the people of 12 districts under Rangpur Division.

"As per the directive, we will procure coal from abroad. Initially, we decided to run the three units of Barapukuria power plant during Eid-ul- Azha," Power Division secretary Dr Ahmed Kaikaus said. The Power Division has formed a 12- member committee led by Additional Secretary (Development) to import coal to run the power plant. The committee will sit today (Sunday) to work out a plan in this regard, a source in the Power Division said.

Meanwhile, the Energy Division Secretary Abu Hena M Munim termed the disappearance of 142,000 tonnes of coal "information error." During a visit to Barapukuria Coal Mining area on Friday, Munim made this comment while talking to journalists. State Minister for Power, energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told the media on Thursday that Petrobangla never made any inventory since start of the Barapukuria coal-mine operation and supply of the coal to the nearby Barapukuria power plant in 2006.

"It seems all officials at the Barapukuria mine are involved in such irregularities and corruption. Action will be taken as per report against the persons involved in the wrongdoings," he told reporters at the Secretariat. "It is a misappropriation which had been happening since around 2005. So ever body will bring under scanner," the State minister said.

Power Division Secretary told the media on Saturday that to run the power plant during Eid festival, the authority to use 370 tonnes of coal of Barapukuria coal mine which have been deposited there. Following a meeting with the Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and Energy Division Secretary, Power Division secretary disclosed the information at Bidyut Bhaban.

He informed the media that the consumers of Rangpur division are experiencing around 150-MW of load -shedding on an average a day. He said Barapukuria coal is not matching with the Indian coal. So, the committee concerned will examine the options of coal import.