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Published : 05 Apr 2026, 04:29 AM
Allegations have emerged that Mahbub Morshed, during his tenure as the managing director and chief editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), rented out his personal vehicle to the state-run news agency through a third-party intermediary.
The rental firm, named “Rent-A-Car”, allegedly received Tk 150,000 per month for the vehicle.
The owner of the firm claims that Morshed pocketed the entire rental amount, while the firm received no commission for the arrangement.
According to official documents, a work order was issued on Nov 25 last year, authorising the car rental to commence from Dec 1.
Md Abdul Kader Meena, the proprietor of Rent-A-Car service, claimed that Morshed took the full Tk 300,000 paid for the first two months of the contract.
Speaking to bdnews24.com, he said: "I did not take a single Taka as commission for providing the car through my firm. The bill was passed in my name, but he took the entire amount."
Payment records show that another vehicle from the same firm is also leased to BSS.
The rent for that vehicle, however, is Tk 70,000 per month, less than half the rate paid for Morshed’s car.
The interim government appointed the journalist as the MD and chief editor of BSS on Aug 18 for a two-year term following the fall of the Awami League government in 2024.
He faced "protests" from employees upon arriving at the BSS office the next day after the formation of the BNP-led government on Feb 17 following the parliamentary election.
He left the premises that day and has not returned since.
In a subsequent Facebook post, he alleged that a "mob" had been manufactured to pressure him into resigning.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formed a four-member committee the following day to investigate corruption allegations against him.
BSS staff members claim further allegations of irregularities have been submitted to the committee.
The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification cancelling his contractual appointment on Apr 1.
Documentation over the rental reveals that BSS issued a work order to Rent-A-Car service on Nov 19, 2025.
The organisation requested the vehicle for the "full-time official use of the chief editor" starting from Dec 1, subject to 16 conditions.
In response, the firm provided a Toyota Allion. Records including the car’s registration number show that BSS paid Tk 150,000 monthly, covering fuel, driver salary, and other costs.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) records show the vehicle is owned by Morshed.
BSS disbursed two payments of Tk 150,000 each on Jan 1 and Feb 2 this year.
Abdul Kader said the car operated under his firm for two months. "He left shortly after, and the contract for his car was cancelled. My other vehicle, which was already there, remains in service," he added.
When questioned on how a personal vehicle was funnelled through his firm, he explained: "The institution knows best.
“I already had one car running there, and they needed another. They didn't want the hassle of dealing with two different companies, so they took it through me.
“If the MD of an institution asks you to provide a specific car, you are naturally obliged to do it."
Attempts to contact Morshed by phone were unsuccessful. His number was later found to be switched off.
