Textile and Jute Adviser Brig Gen M Sakhawat Hossain on Sunday said five ships of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) are making huge profits. These ships are not in Bangladesh, they are carrying cargo in different countries of the world.
Therefore, the fleet of ships should be increased to boost the income of BSC, he told journalists after exchanging views with senior officials of the organisation at the BSC office.
Sakhawat added, “However, the Awami League regime had implemented various projects, including the purchase of ships of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation from China. There is a thorn in the throat, and it has to be swallowed.
“But as long as we are here, one thing we can do is reduce corruption.”
Regarding the procurement of four new ships from China, he said, “A team is working to determine the prices. We are trying to reduce the rates. It is difficult to find out who took the money. If money is handed to someone, it is difficult to track it down. The USD was Tk 90 before.
“If the project is closed, we will not get the ships. There are many projects in this ministry, why are these happening? The project is in its final stage. If you stop now, the money wasted is yours, mine. There is a thorn in the throat, we must swallow.”
He continued, “I said, not the ocean of theft, but the Pacific Ocean. I am sending the documents we have to the ACC. ACC will investigate. She was a prime minister, and she said with a smile that her peon owns Tk 400 crore. Can you imagine Tk 400 crore? I never saw such money.
Regarding the fire in Banglar Sourov, the adviser said, “The MD notified the authorities as soon as the fire broke out at Bangla Sourov at 12:30 last Friday. I knew what was happening at every moment. I have been asked to investigate by the BSC.
“There is the issue of ship insurance. Then one died. He did not die from the fire, he died due to trauma, doctors can say well. Four people died in the fire on two ships. Any loss of life is tragic.”
Sakhawat continued, “After two incidents in a row, a separate inquiry committee headed by the additional secretary will be formed to clear suspicions or bring out the real facts. The investigation committee will be very large with 9-10 members.
“So that there will be experts. They will come here, start the investigation, and inspect the ships. Is there anything suspicious? I do not want to speculate about what happened. Wait until you search.”
The advisor said, “After the fire on the Banglar Sourov vessel, the BSC MD hired a ship immediately for lightering. Let's say one thing the MD said before the incident, this was to be Banglar Sourov's last trip.
“Unfortunately it happened. I was afraid, if there was an oil blast, the channel would be closed. I thank God. The Navy, Coast Guard, Port Authority rushed to douse such fire.”
He added, “There was a fire on the ship so some safety issues should be looked at. Then crude oil will be transferred from Sourov in Bengal. I have also told BPC to increase the capacity of the terminal.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Shipping has formed an investigation committee into the incident of fire in two lighter ships carrying oil. The committee has been asked to send the investigation report with clear recommendations to the secretary of the shipping ministry within seven days.
The additional secretary of the ministry has been convened in the investigation committee. Abul Islam. And Senior Assistant Secretary (IO) Md Abdul Awal has been included as a member secretary.
Chattogram Port Authority, Bangladesh University of Engineering (BUET), Directorate of Shipping, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation, Fire Service and Civil Defence, National Intelligence Agency (NSI), Directorate General of Defense Intelligence (DGFI) will provide one representative each in this 10-member committee.
