State-run Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) has contracted with a private company to transport fuel oil at a cost of Tk 1 per tonne.
Concerns have increased regarding how oil will be transported at such a low price. It is suspected that low-cost contracts for fuel transportation may have led to fuel leakage. The company responsible for shipping the fuel oil reportedly sells a portion of the oil en route, using it as a source of profit.
The name of the private company appointed by BIWTC for this contract is Bismillah Oil Suppliers.
“We have been transporting oil for many years. This time too we won the contact as the lowest bidder,” Zafar Ullah, owner of Bismillah Oil Suppliers, told Prothom Alo.
When asked how it was possible to send a ton of fuel oil for just 1 taka, Zafar Ullah said, “You should discuss this matter with my son. He can explain it better.”
Zafar Ullah’s son, Abdullah Al Mamun, told Prothom Alo, “We transport oil for many other customers simultaneously. Winning government contracts is good for our reputation.” However, he denied allegations of selling any oil.
