The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh has filed four major corruption cases against Tarique Ahmed Siddique, the former Security Advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alongside 19 other individuals accused of embezzling BDT 8.12 billion. The charges stem from fraudulent activities in airport development projects across the country, implicating high-ranking government officials, including Mohibul Haque, the former senior secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and M. Mofidur Rahman, the former chairman of the Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA).

On January 27, ACC Director General (Prevention), Md. Akhter Hossain, detailed the extensive corruption scheme at a press briefing in Dhaka. The scandal, which spans over a period of 15 years, centers on the collusion of various officials in the misappropriation of public funds intended for the development of vital airport infrastructure. The embezzlement allegedly occurred under the guise of essential development projects at three of the country’s primary airports: Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar International Airport.

The first case revolves around the “Installation of Radar with CNS-ATM” project at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. This project, designed to upgrade the airport’s air traffic control system, saw the engagement of French company Thales LAS France SAS as the supplier for the radar systems. However, the ACC’s investigation revealed several irregularities in the awarding process. The radar supplier was contracted on a government-to-government (G2G) basis, bypassing the standard competitive bidding procedures.

Aeroness International Limited, a company allegedly linked to Tarique Siddique through his close associate Mahbubul Alam, was also involved as a local agent. The irregularities became evident when the project, originally intended for radar installation, was expanded to include civil works such as the construction of a new control tower, valued at BDT 1.50 billion. The civil works were awarded despite Thales lacking expertise in this area, and no open tendering process was conducted. Investigators found that this manipulation resulted in the embezzlement of BDT 2 billion.

The second case involves the expansion of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal. The project was initially estimated to cost BDT 130 billion, but the cost was later inflated to BDT 210 billion without any clear justification. Aviation Dhaka Consortium (ADC), with Aeroness International Limited again playing a key role, was awarded the contract. The ACC’s findings uncovered evidence of embezzlement amounting to BDT 2.50 billion, illustrating how costs were deliberately manipulated for personal gain.

A third case centers around the Osmani International Airport in Sylhet. Aeroness International Limited was involved again, securing the project’s work order through unethical practices. The project, which had an overall budget of approximately BDT 20 billion, saw BDT 2.12 billion embezzled under the guise of advance payments for the works. The ACC investigation found that the work was awarded to the company under questionable circumstances, further exposing the widespread corruption in the civil aviation sector.

The final case in the scandal pertains to the construction of a terminal and runway at Cox’s Bazar International Airport. The work order was granted to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) through preferential treatment, allegedly influenced by Tarique Siddique and other accused officials. The project had a total budget of BDT 15 billion, of which BDT 1.50 billion was allegedly embezzled. The ACC has accused the implicated officials of manipulating procurement processes to favor companies with which they had ties.

Tarique Siddique, who was a military and security advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stands at the center of the embezzlement allegations. His influential position within the government is said to have facilitated the unethical practices of awarding contracts to favored companies. Siddique’s political ties are significant, as he is the younger brother of Shafiq Ahmed Siddique, who is married to Sheikh Rehana, the sister of Prime Minister Hasina. His influence extended over several key sectors, including civil aviation.

Another key figure is Mohibul Haque, the former senior secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Haque is accused of using his authority to approve irregular contracts and bypass standard procurement procedures. M. Mofidur Rahman, the former chairman of BCAA, is similarly implicated in approving inflated project costs and questionable procurement methods that contributed to the financial malfeasance.

Mahbubul Alam, the managing director of Aeroness International Limited, is also central to the scandal. His company was frequently awarded lucrative contracts, leading to suspicions of corruption. Alam’s close relationship with Siddique and his involvement in multiple projects raises questions about the role of private companies in facilitating large-scale embezzlement schemes.

The BDT 8.12 billion embezzlement scandal highlights a pervasive culture of corruption within Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector. The manipulation of public procurement processes, including the bypassing of competitive bidding procedures and inflating project costs, is a clear indication of systemic problems in the management of government contracts. Moreover, the involvement of politically connected individuals exacerbates the issue, casting doubts on the transparency and integrity of high-level government operations.

The scandal also reveals a lack of accountability, with key figures from both the public and private sectors involved in colluding to defraud the government. The ACC’s investigation into the matter has brought to light the failure of oversight mechanisms that should have been in place to prevent such large-scale financial misconduct. Critics of the government argue that this case is indicative of broader governance challenges, including a lack of independence in key institutions like the ACC and the judiciary.

The ACC has vowed to pursue these cases vigorously and ensure that those responsible for the embezzlement face justice. Director General Md. Akhter Hossain has stated that the accused will be prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigations are underway to uncover additional evidence. If convicted, the accused could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and restitution of the embezzled funds.

As the legal process unfolds, the implications of this scandal could have far-reaching consequences for Bangladesh’s political landscape. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in public procurement practices, along with stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent such widespread corruption in the future. The case has also sparked public outcry, with calls for greater transparency, accountability, and an end to the culture of impunity that has plagued many sectors of the government.

The BDT 8.12 billion embezzlement scandal casts a dark shadow over the civil aviation sector in Bangladesh, raising serious concerns about governance, accountability, and political interference in public projects. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings will be crucial in determining whether the government is willing to take meaningful steps toward reform and ensure that the guilty parties are held accountable for their actions.

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