A fresh uproar has erupted in Khulna’s Paikgachha over allegations of government asset looting under the guise of road renovation. Following a report in the Daily Gram Kagoj on Sunday, February 22, titled “BTCL’s Cable Looted, Two Employees Behind the Scenes”, administrative and political circles have been thrown into chaos. The report focused on the removal of BTCL’s underground cable along an 8-kilometer stretch, prompting document searches and conflicting statements among officials trying to avoid responsibility.
Local sources estimate the removed cable, from Paikgachha-Agarghata to the zero point of the municipal headquarters, is worth around 1 million taka. Yet, despite the significant value, there is no written approval, no entry in store registers, and no receipt or disposal records. This raises serious concerns: have the government assets been properly stored, or have they disappeared systematically?
Technician in charge, Mokhlesur Rahman, stated, “The cable found on the road is in the store room.” However, he could not provide documentation on the specific quantity, quality, or storage details. If considered scrap, no auction or approval papers exist. Lineman Alek Gazi refused to comment, asking to speak with higher authorities.
BTCL Khulna Deputy General Manager Md. Benjur Rahman said, “There are instructions to properly record and store good-quality cables if they are lifted. The amount of cable lifted must be documented.” He added that the matter is under investigation, and if necessary, those responsible will be held accountable.
Following the report, local administration and departmental officials are facing pressure for an impartial investigation and a full audit. Citizens are questioning whether the removal of an 8-kilometer government cable is a case of mismanagement or a well-organized irregularity. It remains to be seen whether the investigation will be transparent, or if government assets worth 10 lakh taka will vanish over time.
