Staff Reporter, Narayangan: More than 20 lime and metal casting factories in Sonargaon continue to operate with illegal natural gas connections despite repeated enforcement drives by Titas Gas, raising concerns over large-scale revenue losses and alleged official collusion.

According to Titas sources, the factories consume about 333,300 cubic feet of natural gas every month without paying any bills, causing the government to lose more than Tk1 crore in revenue each month.

The allegations have also reached the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). A written complaint accuses Surajit Saha, manager (engineering) of Titas Gas` Meghnaghat Zonal Sales Office, of facilitating illegal gas connections for several lime factories and amassing wealth beyond his known sources of income.

The complaint alleges that illegal gas connections have operated for years in Islampur, Ashar Char, Sonargaon municipality and surrounding areas with the support of the accused official. It also claims that he acquired substantial assets under his own name and through proxies. The complainant urged the ACC to conduct an impartial investigation and take legal action if the allegations prove true.

Repeated attempts to contact Surajit Saha for comment proved unsuccessful.

Local residents said the number of illegal lime and casting factories increased after the political changes on Aug. 5 last year, particularly in Pirojpur, Mograpara and Sonargaon municipality. They alleged that authorities shut down the factories during enforcement drives, but operators resumed production within days and continued establishing new facilities.

A visit to the area found factories operating with illegal gas connections in Dattapara, Dailerbagh, Dulalpur, Lahapara, Dighirpar, Jhauchar, Ashar Char, Islampur, Sonakhali, Dumduma, Bandera and Ichufganj, among other locations. Residents also alleged that some influential local political figures have links to the businesses.

A factory worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed factory owners receive advance information about enforcement drives, allowing them to suspend operations temporarily before quickly resuming production. He also alleged that some dishonest officials and employees receive regular payments in exchange for protecting the illegal operations.

Residents said excessive gas consumption by the factories has reduced gas pressure in nearby residential areas. They also warned that the intense heat generated by factory furnaces has increased fire risks for neighbouring homes.

Md Abdullah Al Arefin, deputy assistant director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, said such factories pose serious safety risks in residential areas.

"We do not issue fire licences for these establishments," he said.

Mohammad Shahabuddin, deputy general manager of Titas Gas in the Sonargaon region, said authorities regularly disconnect illegal gas lines, demolish illegal factories and file cases against offenders.

"We continue our drives, but the factories resume operations after a short time," he said.

Executive Magistrate Suha Tabil said the government has adopted a strict stance against gas theft and illegal connections.

"We regularly conduct drives to identify and take action against illegal gas users," she said.

It remains unclear whether the ACC will formally investigate the complaint against the Titas official.