Hydrocarbon UnitDG accused of graft, violation of HC order

Allegations of corruption and blatant disregard for the High Court have surfaced against Md Shameem Khan, director general (DG) of the Hydrocarbon Unit under the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

The allegations include the misappropriation of public funds through a fraudulent deal with Arshinagar Media and producing fake vouchers.

Shameem's alleged accomplice, Moflehur Rahman, a peon appointed on an outsourcing basis, played a crucial role in the corruption scheme.

Besides, the DG got the job of Nur Islam, another employee appointed on the outsourcing basis, dismissed on 30 June this year as he witnessed an illegal transaction with Moflehur.

On the contrary, Moflehur was appointed as a computer operator on 16 July last violating the HC directive as a ‘reward’ for abetting the DG in his corruption. More surprisingly, he was entrusted with the additional charge of office assistant (accounts) on 22 August.

This correspondent obtained some documents on the graft practices of Shameem Khan. However, Shameem Khan denied the allegations.

Complaints have been lodged against Shameem Khan and Moflehur by two individuals with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Ministry of Public Administration and the Public Service Commission (PSC).

Following a complaint filed with the ministry, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division formed a probe body to look into the allegations. Additional Secretary (Operations) of the division Khalid Ahmed is heading the probe panel.

According to sources in the Hydrocarbon Unit, the DG gave the work of producing a documentary titled 'Coal Development Video Documentation for the Development of Coal Fields of Bangladesh' to Arshinagar Media.

As per the deal, company proprietor Aminur Liton would place a bill of around Tk15 lakh but he would be paid Tk4 lakh. The rest of the money would have to be returned back to the DG after the deduction of VAT.

Accordingly, Arshinagar Media placed a bill of Tk14.85 lakh to the DG. The Hydrocarbon Unit attested the bill on 2 June this year.

On 11 June, the Office of the Controller General of Accounts issued a cheque for Tk12,46,754 to the company after deducting the VAT.

As per the contract, Arshinagar Media owner returned Tk8,46,754 through a cheque from Global Islami Bank to Moflehur on 25 June.

Nur Islam, who was discharged from the job on 30 June, said, "I tactfully took a photocopy of the cheque given to Moflehur. Later, he (Moflehur) withdrew the money and entered the DG's room. I incidentally entered the room and saw Moflehur handing over the money to the DG."

"Within five days, I was discharged from the job," he said.

A senior officer of the Hydrocarbon Unit, wishing not to be named, said that Arshinagar Media made a 10-12-minute documentary at an inflated cost.

He said the documentary was just exhibited once and remained on the laptop of the DG. "It has yet to be uploaded on the website."

Besides, Shameem allegedly embezzled Tk8,44,880 in the name of purchasing computers, laptops, printers, computer materials and other items.

Asked about the money transaction, DG Shameem Khan termed the allegations baseless.

"I have no relation with the transaction between the proprietor of Arshinagar Media and Moflehur," he said, forbidding this correspondent to talk to Moflehur.

About the discharge of Nur Islam from the service, he cited his irregularity as the reason.

Contacted for comments, Arshinagar Media owner Aminur Liton introduced himself as the news producer of a private television channel, reminding this correspondent about his position before questioning him.

He, however, finally said he gave the money to Moflehur as he is his relative.

When contacted over the phone, Moflehur declined to make any comment on the issue.

This correspondent talked to a film production house situated at Niketan Housing in the capital when it said the highest Tk2 lakh is needed for producing a 10-12 minute documentary.

Violation of HC directive

A project titled "Strengthening of the Hydrocarbon Unit (Phase II) started in 2006 and was completed in December 2023. Then, the government decided to continue the activities of the project with the existing employees after absorbing them into the revenue sector. After that, the Hydrocarbon Unit was permanently shifted under the revenue budget.

However, the authorities decided to appoint manpower to different posts through direct job circulation. Accordingly, the authorities published recruitment advertisements in some newspapers.

In 2014, some employees filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the job circulation against their posts -- administrative officer, accountant assistant, senior computer operator and computer operator.

On 3 March 2015, the HC directed the authorities concerned to absorb the petitioners under the revenue budget.

Violating the HC judgment, DG Shameem Khan, however, obtained a clearance certificate from the Mineral Resources Division for the appointment of manpower to the four posts on 3 October 2023.

However, the division in its certificate clearly stated that if there is any court ban or writ with the HC or the matter is pending with the court, the appointment would have to be made as per the court directives.

However, ignoring the HC directive, the DG appointed Moflehur as the computer operator along with another person.

About the appointment, DG Shameem Khan said that they lodged an appeal with the Appellate Division against the HC judgment.

"I hope that the top court will cancel the HC judgment," he said.

When contacted, Additional Secretary (Operations) of the division Khalid Ahmed said that an inquiry into the allegations against the DG and Moflehur is going on.

He, however, declined to comment on the ongoing probe.