মঙ্গলবার, ২৮ জুলাই ২০২৬
Engr. Md. Abdus Sobhan, Managing Director of publicly listed energy sector giant Padma Oil PLC, has stepped down from his position in an unexpected and controversial manner. Citing his wife's illness, he traveled to the United States on leave and later submitted his resignation via email — bypassing standard resignation protocols.
According to sources at Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) and Padma Oil, the MD sent his resignation on May 14 (Wednesday) through email addressed to the BPC chairman. The following day, BPC's Secretary Shahina Sultana confirmed receiving the resignation letter via postal service, stating that the matter is currently under official review.
Sobhan had taken approved leave from May 4 to May 10 to visit his wife in the US. However, after the end of his leave, he did not return to work. During Padma Oil's board meeting on May 13, his absence was questioned by the board chairman and former secretary Zafar Ullah Khan. The company secretary responded that the MD was still abroad on leave. His continued absence sparked debate during the meeting.
The next day, Sobhan submitted his resignation from the US, which many officials view as highly unusual and unprecedented. Adding to the controversy, he is reportedly under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding allegations tied to LP gas and bitumen marketing irregularities — issues that have been covered in the media in recent months.
Engr. Md. Abdus Sobhan was appointed Managing Director of Padma Oil on August 14, 2023. Prior to this role, he served as the MD of LP Gas Limited.
His sudden resignation has stirred discussions within the company, with insiders suspecting that he strategically exited the post amid mounting legal and ethical scrutiny.
