Daily Fuel Consumption Scandal at DSCC: 14–15 Litres Wasted Despite 40 Days of Inactivity

A prolonged administrative paralysis has gripped the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) over the past 40 days, amid protests demanding that BNP leader Ishrak Hossain be formally installed as mayor. Despite the city hall being effectively non-operational and most officials absent from their offices, official records show a daily fuel consumption of 14–15 litres per vehicle. 

According to DSCC accounts, the institution spends around BDT 50 million per month on fuel. An analysis of the figures for April, May, and June reveals that, even during the 40-day shutdown from 14 May to 23 June, fuel consumption remained consistent with normal operational levels, despite no actual office work taking place.

Experts describe this not merely as procedural irregularity but as direct corruption and misuse of state resources, highlighting a severe lack of transparency and accountability in taxpayer-funded institutions.

Timeline of the Protest

Specific Cases of Fuel Misuse

1. Khairul Baker – Supervising Engineer, Environment, Climate and Disaster Management Circle:

Despite the city hall being closed, records show daily fuel usage, even though Baker did not attend the office.

1. Mohammad Mobashwer Hasan – Chief Officer, Social Welfare and Slum Development:

Although Hasan claimed to have attended WAASA, Secretariat, and Employee Hospital, sources confirm that regular office operations were effectively non-existent during the period.

DSCC Vehicle Fleet

• Cars: 91
• Motorcycles: 101
• Total vehicles (including waste management fleet): 610

Annual fuel expenditure exceeds BDT 600 million, with a large portion allegedly recorded only on paper. Sources indicate that extra fuel is sometimes allocated to placate drivers, who may later sell the fuel for profit, benefiting both the driver and the responsible officer.

Md. Arif Chowdhury, the transport manager, has faced allegations of approving excess fuel without verification, which is later sold illicitly, allowing both drivers and issuing officers to profit.

In June, fuel allocation for the Administrator’s vehicle alone reached 855 litres. Current DSCC Administrator Md. Shahjahan Mia, who also holds key positions at WAASA and the Local Government Ministry, has access to three vehicles simultaneously.

When confronted, Shahjahan Mia stated: “If fuel has been issued without actual office work, it is improper. The matter will be thoroughly investigated.”

This case illustrates a systemic misuse of government resources:

The scandal underscores the urgent need for transparency, stricter oversight, and accountability mechanisms within the DSCC.