ACC detects DSCC fuel scam through fake bills, vouchers during shutdown

The books show the usual level of fuel consumption per vehicle, despite a 40-day office-wide shutdown

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has found evidence of irregularities in fuel expenses at Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) while its operations were suspended amid protests demanding BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be handed mayoral duties.

The development was uncovered during an ACC operation at Nagar Bhaban on Sunday, said ACC Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam. A statement later confirmed the allegations.

The watchdog said its team collected transport-related bills, vouchers, logbooks, fuel coupons and other records, and questioned employees.

“Although DSCC’s activities were suspended for 40 days, the records suggest large sums were embezzled through fake bills and vouchers in the name of fuel consumption,” the statement read.

The ACC said the records would be analysed in detail, with a full report to be submitted to the commission along with recommendations for legal action.

According to a Prothom Alo report on Thursday, although many DSCC staff did not attend office for even a single day during the 40-day closure, the books showed fuel consumption of 14-15 litres a day against each allocated vehicle.

DSCC’s accounts show it spends around Tk 50 million a month on fuel. In May and June, when the shutdown was in place, fuel expenses remained at the usual level.