Mizanur Rashid, the general manager (transport) of state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines, has been assigned the additional charge of the Finance and Administration-Human Resources departments, sparking a storm of criticism both internally and externally due to multiple pending investigations into his alleged irregularities.
According to a recent office order, Rashid will now oversee the Finance department, which is directly involved in budgeting, expenditure, procurement, and financial approvals, as well as the Human Resources department, which manages critical matters such as recruitment, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions.
Internal investigations have previously indicated that Biman suffered financial losses amounting to thousands of crores of Taka due to various irregularities.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been investigating Rashid following several complaints and a formal inquiry committee was established; he was most recently summoned by the ACC on 19 February. He has also been the subject of multiple departmental probes.
Sources close to the national flag carrier revealed a litany of allegations against Rashid, including the purchase of software from a firm in a neighbouring country without board approval, the procurement of fuel at prices exceeding market rates, and the unauthorised withdrawal of house rent in violation of contract terms.
Further accusations involve the acceptance of irregular bonuses and the leakage of sensitive information. There are also allegations regarding his links to an Indian national, Vinit Sood, in relation to these irregular activities.
Sood is currently out of the country and could not be reached for comment.
Responding to the allegations, Rashid told TIMES on Tuesday that both the departmental and ACC investigations have been settled.
He claimed that his appointment with the additional roles was based on his status as an “aviation expert” and further asserted that he had previously been a victim of harassment.
