BTCL Cable Removal Case: Investigation Stalls, Missing Assets Raise Questions

The investigation into the removal of underground cables by Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited (BTCL) during road renovations in Paikgachha, Khulna, has largely stalled. Despite multiple media reports, no significant progress has been made, raising questions about accountability.

The estimated value of the cables lifted along the 8-kilometer road is around 1 million taka. Yet, there is no receipt, no store register entry, and no documentation related to their sale as scrap. Even the exact quantity and quality of the lifted cables remain unknown, casting doubt on whether government assets are being properly protected.

Technician Mokhlesur Rahman claims the cables are in storage but has not provided supporting documents. Meanwhile, lineman Alek Gazi has declined to comment, adding to the confusion.

Md. Benjur Rahman, BTCL’s Khulna region deputy general manager, stated that instructions exist to document and store removed cables properly. However, these directives appear to be ignored in practice, highlighting a gap between official rules and field-level management.

Local communities are increasingly frustrated with the slow investigation and lack of transparency. No effective investigative committee has been formed, and no independent audit has been initiated. Many fear the matter could eventually be concealed.

Several key questions remain unanswered: How much cable was removed? Who approved it? Is there proof of storage? And why was the auction process for scrap not followed?

In the interest of good governance and transparency, there is growing demand for a prompt, impartial investigation, a full audit, and accountability for those responsible. Whether these demands will be met remains uncertain.