Bangladesh Faces Corruption Allegations Ahead of Tarique Rahman’s Leadership; Yunus’ Associate Under Investigation

Dhaka, Feb 16: Allegations of financial misconduct have emerged against Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, days after Bangladesh’s February 12 elections and ahead of the incoming leadership taking office, marking the first major political controversy for the outgoing administration.

Taiyeb, who held the rank of state minister, left Bangladesh shortly after the polls, citing personal reasons including a school meeting for his son and a medical emergency involving his wife. Critics, however, questioned the timing of his departure, prompting widespread debate across social media and political circles.

Departure Timing Under Scrutiny
Taiyeb flew out on February 10 after formally taking leave from the ICT Division, Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. He maintained that he completed all official duties before leaving and denied any wrongdoing, inviting independent audits to verify his record.

Allegations Amplified on Social Media
Speculation intensified after journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury claimed on X that Taiyeb amassed significant wealth through corruption and left the country immediately after the elections. Choudhury described the exit as “mysterious,” though no official corruption case has been filed.

Government Rejects Impropriety Claims
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan defended Taiyeb, emphasizing that he had returned to his family in the Netherlands after completing state responsibilities. She dismissed narratives suggesting secretive or improper conduct, calling them attempts to create “unnecessary drama” during a sensitive political period.

Political Sensitivities Amid Transition
The controversy arises as Bangladesh transitions to new leadership, intensifying scrutiny of top officials. Appointed in March 2025, Taiyeb implemented reforms in telecommunications and promoted transparency, though he faced resistance from vested interests.

Despite the online allegations, no formal investigation or charges have been announced. The episode highlights the political sensitivities and heightened scrutiny during Bangladesh’s post-election transition.