Two officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines were transferred following allegations of their involvement in the fraudulent release of a large quantity of cargo from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
However, the transfer order was reportedly suspended after the accused officials allegedly mobilized members of their syndicate and created a mob-like situation to pressure the authorities.
Although the transfer order was issued on January 13, it was suspended just a day later. The incident has reportedly caused significant concern within Biman, though no officials have publicly spoken out against the alleged syndicate.
The two officials facing the allegations are Commercial Supervisors Kazi Mohammad Shahjalal and Montachar Rahman, both currently working in the cargo department at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
Copies of the transfer order and the subsequent suspension have been obtained by Dhaka Tribune.
According to sources, 4,237 kilograms of fabric imported from China were fraudulently cleared from the airport’s cargo section without payment of customs duties. When the matter came to light, an intelligence agency launched an investigation. After a lengthy probe, investigators reportedly identified those involved in the incident.
During the investigation, the names of the two Biman officials emerged as the alleged masterminds behind the operation.
Intelligence sources claim that evidence was found linking them to the fraudulent clearance of the goods.
While the investigation was ongoing, senior Biman officials also became aware of the matter. Subsequently on January 13, the then Managing Director and CEO Dr. Shafiqur Rahman ordered their transfer. According to the order, Kazi Mohammad Shahjalal was transferred to Cox’s Bazar Airport, while Montachar Rahman was transferred to Saidpur Airport.
However, a Biman source said that after learning about the transfer order, the two officials became angry and went to the Managing Director’s office with members of their syndicate. There, they allegedly confined him inside the room, threatened the authorities, and created a mob-like situation.
As tensions escalated, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman eventually instructed that the transfer order be suspended.
Several Biman officials, speaking to Dhaka Tribune on condition of anonymity, described the incident as unprecedented. They said that despite the serious allegations, no action has been taken against the accused officials, who continue to perform their duties as usual.