Plunder of state resources

WHAT has transpired through investigative journalism is that some 12,000 illegal gas connections have been given over the past year in nine unions of Sonargaon upazila under Narayanganj district. The “subscribers” have paid an average of Tk45,000 per connection and the activity is being overseen by the local high command of the ruling party. Not only are these homestead connections not sanctioned by Titas Gas Transmission Limited, the manner in which lines are being laid using substandard pipes and without sufficiently technical support opens up the possibility of a major explosion in the areas. The other area of concern obviously is the huge siphoning off of our limited natural resource gas, the proceeds of which do not go the national exchequer, rather fatten up the coterie of vested interests involved in the racket.
That grassroots political entities associated with the ruling alliance are in connivance with unscrupulous members of the state-owned gas company is a very worrying sign indeed. It certainly allows a high degree of immunity from law enforcement agencies but at what cost? At a time when the productive sectors of the economy are being deprived of natural gas supply, we are witness to such flagrant violation of the law. With people's representatives at local levels choosing to turn a blind eye to what is obviously illegal activity in the fear of losing votes, precisely how will such illegal activity be curtailed is an obvious question. It is essential that authorities at the centre get a move on these illegal connections and punish the thugs in national interest.