Mohammad Abu Sayeed, Director (Airworthiness & Engineering) at Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), left the country five months ago on 10-day leave and has not returned, prompting authority to file a departmental case against him.

Saeed applied for permission to travel to Malaysia in July and took casual leave from August 4-13. However, he remained absent from duty without communication after the leave period ended on 13th August.

CAAB (Admin), (Additional Secretary) S M Lablur Rahman confirmed the case, stating officers who do not return from abroad are considered absconding.

"According to employment rules, there is a set procedure in such cases. A departmental case is filed. That is what has been done against Abu Saeed," Labluur Rahman told media.

Authority considers the prolonged absence a serious breach of discipline under CAAB Employee Service Rules, 2021. After his leave ended, multiple phone calls and emails to Saeed went unanswered. CAAB summoned him on 20th November for explanation, requiring written response within seven working days, but he failed to respond. Letters sent to his addresses by registered mail returned unopened.

Saeed has been absent without permission for more than 60 consecutive days starting 14th August. CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostofa Mahmud Siddique signed the order, which has been circulated to all departments and directed for publication on the authority's website.

According to CAAB sources, at least seven officers have been absent for extended periods overseas, prompting departmental action. Administrative officer Abdul Khalek allegedly embezzled nearly TK 100 crore and fled to Canada with his family. Executive engineer Md Shahiduzzaman reportedly took TK 150 crore and went to United States. Five other officers also went abroad and never returned, facing dismissal and departmental cases.