Saimon Overseas Limited has been cleared of money laundering charges after an investigation by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism found the allegations as false, misleading and without evidence.
Related sources said the allegations were part of a smear campaign by vested quarters opposing the company’s stance against irregularities in air ticketing, including anonymous group bookings and prolonged seat blocking – practices blamed for inflating airfares.
The initiative launched against such practices was led by Afsia Jannat Saleh, the managing director of Saimon Overseas and secretary general of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB).
The sources said her reform-driven role triggered the retaliatory actions.
Following the allegations, the aviation and tourism ministry issued a show-cause notice.
In response, the company provided bank statements, International Air Transport Association billing and settlement plans, ticket copies, and other documents.
After verification, authorities found no evidence supporting the allegations and granted full clearance, according to an official circular on Sunday.
In a following statement, Saimon Overseas said it has initiated legal action against those responsible for spreading the false information.
Industry people said misinformation campaigns often emerge amid reforms while the upcoming ATAB elections also played a part.
Against this backdrop, they have urged the industry stakeholders to support transparency and ethical practices in the country’s travel sector.
