An investigation has revealed significant financial irregularities within the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), where officials are allegedly allocated between 400 and 600 litres of fuel per month. This practice flagrantly violates government directives that cap monthly fuel allocations at 200 litres for entitled vehicles and a maximum of 250 litres for officials holding secretary-level positions. Notably, the city corporation operates without any independent or clear-cut fuel allocation policy of its own, relying instead on arbitrary, legacy practices.
According to findings, a portion of the excessively allocated fuel is frequently siphoned off and sold by drivers in informal markets, a malpractice that several officials reportedly overlook despite being fully aware of it. Beyond fuel misuse, the investigation uncovered rampant abuse of official vehicles and drivers for personal and family errands far beyond official mandates. In a particularly alarming revelation, ambulances—intended for emergency public health services—have reportedly been deployed to ferry officials between their residences and workplaces.
The absence of transparent regulatory frameworks governing transport and fuel distribution has crippled accountability within the department. DSCC Secretary and transport division head Mohammad Mashiur Rahman Khan admitted to lacking detailed insight into the allocation criteria when pressed for explanations. This administrative vacuum highlights systemic vulnerabilities in resource management within vital civic institutions.
Confronted with these damning findings, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam asserted that the corporation is legally bound to adhere to national government policies, regardless of internal institutional gaps. Stressing that there is zero tolerance for deviation from established administrative rules, he confirmed that strict instructions have been issued to launch an immediate, comprehensive investigation and enforce necessary corrective measures.
Public interest groups and urban analysts have expressed deep concern over the brazen waste of public funds and the compromising of emergency services for personal convenience. Experts emphasize that the DSCC must urgently formulate a rigorous, transparent transport and fuel policy to restore institutional integrity. Furthermore, accountability mechanisms must be strictly enforced to penalize those found responsible for the unauthorized depletion of public resources.
