A decision on the accused of the Barapukuria coal mine scam might be announced on Saturday (Aug 24) and the matter is being discussed at a high level, said energy division sources.
The energy ministry is waiting for a suggestion from the ministry of law.
Describing the matter as ‘extremely delicate’, an official of the ministry of energy said: “The accused are top-level officials and have spent their whole lives in the energy department. However, no one is above the law.”
If a charge-sheet was prepared, then the accused person would be temporarily suspended. But if the accused person was deemed innocent then he/she would be entitled to full salary and other benefits for the temporary suspension period, added the official.
Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) submitted a charge sheet accusing 23 persons of stealing coal worth Tk 2.43 billion.
Petrobangla has indicated that once the court accepts the charge-sheet, it will take action as per existing laws.
Energy Secretary Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Munim says: “We have no role in the process now; everything depends on the court.”
Two probe committees formed to look into the stealing of coal accused all the MDs. From January 2006 till Jul 19, 2018, 143,727.92 metric tonnes of coal were stolen- estimated price, Tk 2.43 billion.
ACC formed a three-member committee to probe the allegations. The committee led by Deputy Director Shamsul Alam included assistant director ASM Sajjad Hossain and Deputy Assistant Director ASM Tajul Islam. The probe was monitored by ACC director Kazi Safiqul Alam.