Khulna Correspondent :
Violating rules, some dishonest LP gas traders have been conducting their business hither and thither throughout Khulna City and at nine upazilas of Khulna amid high risk. As such the real gas traders are being victimised in difficulties.
It is alleged that due to unfair means done by some corrupt officials of explosive directorate, trading of LP gas is spreading alarmingly at different parts of Khulna City, posing threat to the city dwellers.
Sources of real dealers and traders of LP gas said, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) supply LP gas to the common dealers through Padma, Meghna and Jamuna Oil Companies. Without approval, a section of fraudulent traders are selling gas at betel, cigarette shops, Landry, pharmacies, cement shops and even at sweetmeat shops at several parts of the city according to their wills. Most of them are kept on the footpath from dawn to dusk. As a result, accident may occur at any moment. On the contrary, real and legal dealers and traders are being harmed in respect of conducting their business. Because, these false traders are conducting their brisk business allegedly by managing some dishonest officials of the explosive directorate in order to be benefited more.
Robiul Islam, a consumer of city’s Boshupara area told this correspondent that no one is monitoring the irregularities though the consumers are being cheated sometimes as some dishonest supply less-weight and broken cylinders which may blast at any moment and lives may be damaged as well.
Shaila Nazneen, a housewife of citys Khalishpur area also echoed with Mohidul.
Mosharaf Hossain, General Secretary of Khulna LP Gas Dealer Association said, with a view to save lives of Khulna city dwellers, Explosive Department should conduct drive against the illegal LP gas traders.
We will go to tougher agitation against the license-less illegal LP gas traders, if the concerned authority doesn’t make initiative, Mosharaf added.
On condition of anonymity, a consumer said, I can’t understand how the authorities including Explosive directorate, Environment directorate and KCC gave permission to conduct the business by some dishonest traders.
Rifat – e- Ahsraf, Inspector of Khulna Divisional Explosive Directorate said, taking only seven staffs I have been working in this office for eight years, this manpower is undoubtedly insufficient for performing their duties at 16 districts of Khulna and Barisal divisions.
We have conducted drives several times against the illegal LP gas traders earlier and we will also conduct drive in future, Rifat-e-Ashraf added.
He said adding that if their manpower is increased, we would be able to monitor and launch drive against the illegal LP gas traders unabatedly.
