Staff Correspondent: Serious allegations of corruption and irregularities have once again surfaced around the Rampal Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat. Coal supplier Bashundhara Group stands accused of large-scale coal misappropriation, supplying substandard coal, lack of transparency in the tender process, and financing luxury “pleasure trips” for government officials. The matter is currently under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which claims to have found preliminary evidence of coal embezzlement.
Severe Environmental Impact: Mercury Pollution and the Pashur River Disaster
Due to unsafe coal transportation methods by Bashundhara, the Pashur River is being severely polluted. A recent study found that mercury levels in the river water are 10 times higher than the permissible limit, posing a grave threat to aquatic life. As a result, fish egg production has dropped by half, while river erosion and displacement are increasing rapidly.
Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of the environmental organization “Dhritri Rokkhae Amra”, strongly condemned the situation, stating that the use of low-quality coal is causing devastating environmental consequences. He added that most residents of Kanai Nagar village have demanded the shutdown of the Rampal Power Plant.
On-site investigation at Harbaria revealed that while coal is being transferred from mother vessels to lighter ships such as MV Bashundhara Logistic 38, large amounts of coal are falling directly into the river. No supervision is in place to monitor the pollution caused during this process.
Furthermore, most of the imported coal supplied to the plant reportedly resembles sand, far below the required standards mentioned in the tender documents. Burning such low-grade coal emits sulfur, nitrate, and mercury, gradually pushing the Sundarbans toward desertification. The livelihoods of millions, including those dependent on Hilsa fishing and salt farming, are now under threat.
Department of Environment Under Fire: Attempt to Evade Responsibility?
Delwar Hossain, Assistant Director of the Department of Environment (DoE), Bagerhat, admitted that since joining his post, he has not yet been able to monitor the surrounding areas of the Rampal power plant. However, he claimed that instructions were given to use tarpaulins or plastic sheets between vessels to prevent coal from falling into the river.
Field investigation, however, found no evidence of such preventive measures. There were no covers or barriers between the lighter ships and the jetty pontoons, allowing coal spillage into the river without restriction.
Bashundhara’s “Pleasure Trips” and the Web of Corruption
Investigations revealed that despite supplying low-grade coal, officials of the Rampal plant refrain from raising objections due to fear and regular allowances provided by Bashundhara Group. Reports indicate that the company frequently arranges monthly payments and luxury foreign trips for senior officials.
The most notable instance occurred in July 2025, when several senior officials of the Rampal plant were sent on a nine-day trip to Indonesia under the guise of coal quality inspection. The entire trip—flights, accommodation, and meals—was funded by Bashundhara Multi Trading Ltd, the same supplier under scrutiny.
Earlier, in 2023, Bashundhara secured an 8 million-ton coal supply contract, during which the plant reportedly faced at least 15 shutdowns due to mechanical failures and coal shortages caused by poor-quality fuel.
ACC’s Initial Findings: Coal Embezzlement Confirmed
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) recently conducted a raid at the Rampal Power Plant. According to ACC officials in Bagerhat (speaking on condition of anonymity), the supplier delivered significantly less coal than contracted and misappropriated a substantial quantity—findings supported by preliminary evidence.
ACC investigators have assured that further inquiries are ongoing and that necessary legal actions will be taken.
Experts and insiders allege that this Bangladesh-India joint venture project has effectively become Bashundhara’s private domain. Environmentalists warn that unless freed from corporate influence, the Rampal Power Plant will stand not only as a symbol of pollution but also of institutionalized corruption.
Observers believe that if the ACC conducts a thorough and impartial investigation, the massive corruption web surrounding Rampal could finally unravel. Yet, despite the serious allegations, Bashundhara Group continues its operations in Rampal without interruption.
