ERL employees want MD's resignation on corruption allegation

Employees along with student leaders of anti-discrimination movement have demanded the resignation of managing director (MD) of state-run Eastern Refinery Ltd (ERL) Md Lokman for his alleged involvement in corruption, said sources.

They staged a demonstration at the premises of the refinery and submitted a memorandum on Thursday last, seeking the MD's resignation.

They said Mr Lokman has been in the position after getting his contractual appointment extended twice.

A plan to build a new crude oil refinery having ownership of the ERL remained shelved during his tenure, said sources.

He was allegedly preparing a plan to build the refinery by 'controversial' S Alam Group as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to this effect was finalised late last month, just before toppling the Sheikh Hasina-led government amid mass upsurge.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO)  during the immediate past regime had instructed signing the MoU with S Alam Group to build the refinery in Chattogram, said a senior official at the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD).

Besides, the incumbent MD constructed a cooling tower at a cost of Tk 180 million which collapsed within two years allegedly due to faults by the contractor.

Mr Lokman did not, however, take any action against the contractor, said sources. [email protected]