Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) authorities terminated two CBA leaders of Ashuganj Zia Fertilizer Company Limited (ZFCL) and cut yearly increment of two officers for their involvement in pilferage of 2,57,300 polythene bags from the factory.

The orders were issued on Monday effecting the punishments from yesterday, ZFCL sources said.

The sacked two staff are store keeper and CBA secretary Md. Gulam Nabi and assistant store keeper Anwar Mia.

The two officers are Assistant Manager Abdus Salam and Additional Chief Engineer Emdadul Haque.

According to sources, at least 2,57,300 polythene bags worth about Tk 28 lakh were stolen by a group of staff and officers from ZFCL godown despite tight security in and around the fertiliser factory.

Sources said the theft was detected on November 12 last year during a visit to the store by high officials.

Later, on November 13, higher authorities in BCIC head office in Dhaka were informed. On November 16, the ZFCL authorities formed a three-member probe body to investigate the matter. A BCIC team also probed the alleged theft. The probe bodies detected that four persons were involved in the pilferage of 2,57,300 polythene bags and also recommended punishment for them.

When contacted, ZFCL General Manager (admin) Md. Habibullah Chowdury said the action has been taken as per order of high officials.

While contacted, Md. Gulam Nabi said it is a conspiracy against them as there is no scope to steal anything from the godown which is under tight security round the clock.

He said he will send a prayer to higher authorities to review the punishment.