Nine Indian Officials Flee from Rampal Power Plant Without Permission

On January 24, 2026, nine Indian officials working at the Rampal Thermal Power Plant, operated by the Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited (BIFPCL), left Bangladesh without informing the authorities. The officials, who were part of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) team working on the plant, reportedly left the facility without permission, sparking alarm within the plant management.

Authorities at the plant discovered the officials missing during breakfast time and began their search. It was later confirmed that they had crossed into India via the Benapole land port. The plant's project director, Ramanath Pujari, was notified and confirmed that the officials left citing concerns about safety, although no previous complaints regarding security had been made.

The departure of the officials has raised serious questions as the plant is under strict security, with the presence of the army, police, and Ansar personnel. Despite the heavy security, their exit was carried out secretly, without prior notice to the authorities. This has caused confusion, especially considering the officials never raised any safety concerns before their sudden departure.

The nine officials, including GM Suez Pratim Barman, GM Bishwajit Mondal, and others, were involved in the operations at the Rampal power plant. The local Public Relations Officer of the plant, Anwarul Azim, confirmed the incident and stated that the matter is under investigation. The authorities are currently looking into the reasons behind their unexpected departure.

The matter has been escalated to higher authorities for a thorough investigation.