Irregularities including theft and missing of goods at Carew & Co. (Bangladesh), a traditional industry in the southwestern district of Chuadanga’s Darshana, have become a common phenomenon, thanks to the indifference of the authorities concerned.

The mismanagement has apparently turned into a rule at the industry which is embroiled in ongoing issues of theft, particularly concerning foreign liquor. It also produces various alcoholic beverages along with sugar and vinegar.

Despite the authorities forming probe committees and imposing temporary punishments on those found guilty, these offenders often return to their illicit activities shortly after, leading to the establishment of a racket.

This situation continues even after the recent change in government following mass upsurge. Ahead of the Durga Puja, the syndicate has again become more active than ever as the demand for the liquor increases several times this time, said sources.

On September 30, six bottles of foreign liquor were recovered from a toolbox of an electrician in the distillery department of the organization. Although the initial response was to downplay the incident until it became public knowledge.

Last June, an allegation of missing 13,000 liters of DS spirit from the distillery department surfaced. Additionally, accusations of financial irregularities concerning the permanent hiring of 104 workers emerged in May, leading to legal action against several people, including the former Managing Director Mosharraf Hossain, Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) President Sabuj and General Secretary Masud respectively.

The Carew & Co. (Bangladesh) Ltd is the only profitable state-owned sugar mill in the region, yet its alcohol production has become a significant source of profit. While law enforcement has made arrests related to the theft of alcohol, the company’s management appears largely indifferent to the issue.

Recent police operations have intercepted several shipments of locally made and imported alcohol, leading to multiple arrests of Carew employees. Allegations suggest that labour unions have been complicit in enabling this syndicate, and some local politicians have provided protection for these operations, further entrenching the issue.

Preferring anonymity, a worker of the organisation said thefts during the transportation of local liquor to various depots have been common, with drivers and workers sometimes colluding to facilitate these activities.

Some workers wishing not to be named claimed that employees in the distillery department collaborate with labour union leaders to execute these thefts, which have reportedly increased during the current administration.

Rajibul Hasan, acting general manager of the Distillery, admitted the recent attempt to steal the foreign liquor by electrician Md Abbas Ali saying that he along with General Manager (admin) Mohammad Yusuf recovered those and subsequently suspended the accused. He informed the entire distillery is under CCTV surveillance and they are vigilant about security.

Previous incidents also reveal a troubling pattern of theft at the Carew, with drivers caught smuggling alcohol, and attempts to steal alcohol via ventilation systems. Critics argue that despite some arrests being made, many incidents go unreported, often due to the influence of powerful local politicians. Managing Director Rabbik Hasan could not be reached for comments despite visiting his office as he was on-leave.

The company, founded in 1938, not only produces sugar but also operates distilleries and agricultural farms, manufacturing nine brands of foreign liquor.