Serious allegations have been raised against former Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin, claiming that he became the owner of a commercial helicopter transport company in violation of all regulatory and legal frameworks. It is further alleged that during a political transition, Beximco Aviation was rapidly transformed into Akij Bashir Aviation. According to documents received by The Aviation Express, the company’s hangar was occupied at least three months before official allocation by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Sources also claimed that Captain Gulzar Hossain, CEO of both entities at different stages, played a central role in the transition from Beximco Aviation to Akij Bashir Aviation. He previously served as CEO of Beximco Aviation and later became CEO of Akij Bashir Aviation.

Following the July political upheaval in 2024, Beximco Aviation, reportedly under pressure like other business entities linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s advisor Salman F Rahman, sent a letter to Civil Aviation seeking closure. However, Gulzar Hossain claims the decision was made under instructions from the ownership.

Pilots’ contradictions and a suspicious VIP flight

Former Director of Flight Operations (DFO) Captain Zahidur Rahman and former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Captain Mahbub Alam of Beximco Aviation have presented conflicting accounts regarding the company’s shutdown. They claim that the closure was influenced by specific vested interests.

According to available information, on 30 December 2024, CEO Captain Gulzar Hossain operated a special VIP flight without informing the DFO. The sole VIP passenger on that flight was Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Managing Director of Akij Bashir Group, who later became an advisor to the interim government for the Commerce and Civil Aviation ministries.

Sources claimed that this mysterious VIP flight marked a turning point, after which the process of shutting down Beximco Aviation accelerated.

Rapid license transfer and hangar takeover

Documents reviewed show that 27 February 2025 was the last working day of Beximco Aviation. Just four days later, on 4 March, CEO Gulzar Hossain himself applied for the surrender of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and hangar.

Within two weeks, he submitted an application for an NOC in favour of Akij Bashir Aviation. Records indicate that the hangar at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) remained officially under Beximco Aviation until 2 June 2025. However, it was reportedly used by Akij Bashir Aviation as an unofficial office from March, before formal allocation.

Although official permission came three months later, the hangar was allegedly taken over earlier, bypassing Civil Aviation rules. The same CEO being involved in both entities is said to have helped conceal the matter from CAAB authorities.

The allegation of illegal occupation has been denied by Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Managing Director of Akij Bashir Group.

A field investigation at the helicopter zone of HSIA reportedly found that the Beximco Aviation hangar nameplate had been removed and replaced with Akij Bashir Aviation branding.

Three helicopters were found at the site, only one of which is operational, reportedly belonging to former aviation advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin. Two other helicopters - Robinson R66 (S2-AFR) and BELL-430 (S2-SFR) - remain parked, confirmed as assets of Beximco Aviation.

“The hangar that has now been allocated to us was previously allocated to Beximco Aviation. Whatever may or may not have happened during that period is not a matter of concern for me. Beximco Aviation’s helicopters are not inside my hangar,” Sheikh Bashir Uddin said.

Allegations of Abuse of Power

Sources claimed that Sheikh Bashir Uddin served as advisor to the interim government’s Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry while also becoming Chairman of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. This dual role reportedly triggered widespread criticism over governance and conflict of interest.

It is also alleged that he used his position to influence licensing and NOC approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority for private helicopter business operations.

Allegations further suggest that Bashir Uddin’s influence began earlier. While serving as an advisor, he reportedly became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Shortly before the national election, a deal was committed to sign with Boeing for the purchase of 14 aircraft.

He was appointed Chairman of Biman in August 2025 while simultaneously serving as a ministry advisor. Following his appointment, rapid decisions regarding fleet modernisation and aircraft procurement were initiated, described by administrative circles as unusually fast-tracked.

Critics have raised concerns over conflict of interest and lack of transparency, arguing that holding both policy-making and board leadership positions undermined decision-making neutrality. However, the concerned side claims the move was aimed at strengthening Biman’s long-term operational capacity.

Bashir’s policy power push forces out 5,000 Travel Agencies

The Travel Agency Registration and Regulation Ordinance 2026 reportedly placed nearly 5,000 travel agencies at risk of closure. The ordinance introduced restrictions on B2B ticket trading and made IATA membership mandatory.

Out of 5,800 registered agencies, only 800 are IATA members. The remaining agencies, lacking direct ticket issuance capability, depend on intermediaries. As a result, most were effectively forced out of business under the new framework, according to industry stakeholders.

The ordinance was later not passed in parliament by the BNP government and was declared withdrawn.