Rampal, Jan 25 (V7N) — Nine Indian officials working at the Rampal coal-based thermal power plant in Bagerhat have left Bangladesh without obtaining prior approval from the plant authorities, triggering concern and raising questions over the sudden departure. The incident has been officially reported to the Bangladesh Power Development Board and the relevant ministry.

According to plant sources, the matter came to light on Saturday morning when the officials were found absent from the dining facility. Upon inquiry, authorities discovered that the officials had left the plant premises without informing anyone. Later in the afternoon, it was confirmed that they crossed into India through the Bhomra land port.

The issue was subsequently reported to the project director of the Rampal Thermal Power Plant, Ramanath Pujari, who contacted the concerned individuals. He later confirmed that the officials had left Bangladesh citing security concerns.

Officials familiar with the matter described the incident as unusual and mysterious, noting that the power plant is protected by a four-layer security system involving the army, police, and Ansar personnel. They also stated that the departing officials had never previously raised any security-related complaints or concerns with the plant management. The sudden exit without prior notice or formal communication has therefore caused surprise among the authorities.

The nine officials are employees of India’s National Thermal Power Corporation, deputed to work at the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant. Those who left the country include General Manager Pratim Barman, General Manager Biswajit Mondal, General Manager N. Suraya Proksa Roy, Additional General Manager Kesaba Palaki, Deputy General Manager Sureya Kanta Mandekar, Deputy General Manager Surendra Lamba, Additional General Manager Pappu Lal Meena, Deputy General Manager Arniban Saha, and C.F. Emmanuel Ponraj Devaraj.

Anwarul Azim, Deputy General Manager (Public Relations) of the Rampal Thermal Power Plant, said that the officials’ absence was noticed during breakfast on Saturday morning. “Upon inquiry, we learned that they had left for India without permission. The matter has been reported to higher authorities, and the reasons behind their sudden departure are being investigated seriously,” he added.

The Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited, which operates the Rampal plant, is now reviewing the incident to determine whether any procedural or security issues were involved.

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