Salman F Rahman, his brother face fraud allegations from Beximco Aviation pilots

A Dhaka court has taken into consideration a fraud complaint against Salman F Rahman, vice-chairman of Beximco Group, his brother ASF Rahman, the conglomerate’s chairman, and four others linked to Beximco Aviation.

The complaint was filed at the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Najmin Akter on Sunday by three pilots of Beximco Aviation. They allege they were defrauded of Tk 12 million in unpaid dues, reports bdnews24.com.

The other defendants are Abdullah Khan Majlish, his brother Imran Khan Majlish, Gulzar Hossain, and Syed Samiul Wadud aka Sami Wadud.

The pilots’ lawyer Tariqul Islam said the court has directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to look into the allegations.

He said the pilots had joined Beximco Aviation Ltd, described as a company operated by Salman, in 2021 and flew the businessman on helicopter trips around the country. According to the complaint, the pilots were dismissed in February without receiving outstanding payments that they claim exceed Tk 10 million.

The lawyer further alleged that the company had operated as a “fake entity” and accused the defendants of using it to obtain services while depriving the pilots of their dues and “siphoning off large sums of money”.

Salman, a former advisor to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was arrested on Aug 13, 2024, days after the fall of the Awami League government. He has remained in custody since then. Media reports say his son, brother and nephew have left the country.

The Beximco vice-chairman faces a series of other allegations, including stock market manipulation, fraudulent use of placement shares, and the misappropriation of funds belonging to shareholders.

He is also accused of using political influence to obtain loans worth around Tk 360 billion from state-owned and private banks, and of laundering significant sums abroad.