Oil theft from BPC's Chattogram-Dhaka pipeline in Mirsarai raises security concerns
The pipeline, which runs about 12 feet underground, was damaged during the theft. A drilling machine was recovered from the scene, and repair work is currently underway
Authorities have detected a case of fuel theft from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation's (BPC) Chattogram–Dhaka pipeline in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram, triggering concerns over the security of the country's first direct fuel transmission line.
The incident came to light yesterday morning (8 January) near Hadir Fakirhat in Wahedpur Union, adjacent to the Dhaka–Chattogram highway.
Police have detained a woman for questioning in connection with the incident, said Farida Yasmin, officer-in-charge of Mirsarai Police Station.
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"We received information about an oil leakage in the Hadir Fakirhat area. Upon reaching the spot, we found that miscreants had drilled a hole in the pipeline using a drill machine to steal oil," she told The Business Standard.
"The hole may have enlarged over time, causing oil to overflow, which ultimately revealed the theft."
She added that officials of BPC were informed immediately and later arrived at the site to assess the situation, although no formal complaint had been lodged by the corporation at the time.
According to local sources, a man identified as Amirul Islam had constructed a tin-shed structure near the pipeline around a month ago. Taking advantage of the location, he allegedly drilled into the underground pipeline and siphoned fuel over a prolonged period.
Nur Jahan, the owner of the tin-shed, said she had rented it out to Amirul through her husband, Nurul Absar, without keeping any permanent address or detailed identification of the tenant.
The pipeline, which runs about 12 feet underground, was damaged during the theft. A drilling machine was recovered from the scene, and repair work is currently underway.
Attempts to contact BPC officials, including Azadur Rahman, director (Planning and Operations), and Raihan Ahmad, managing director of Petroleum Transmission Company PLC, were unsuccessful.
The Chattogram–Dhaka pipeline, the country's first direct fuel pipeline was inaugurated on 16 August 2025. Constructed at a cost of Tk3,653 crore by BPC with support from the Bangladesh Army's 24 Engineering Construction Brigade, the project was designed to reduce fuel transportation time from 48 hours to 12 hours and save the government an estimated Tk226 crore annually.
