Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an investigation against Beximco Pharma’s vice chairman Salman F Rahman including several others over allegations of embezzling of Tk 22 thousands crore in the name of procuring Covid-19 vaccine.

ACC Director General Md Akhtar Hossain confirmed the matter to journalists on Monday (March 17).

He said that the cost of distributing Oxford-AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine imported from India was reported as Tk 40,000 crore, whereas the actual expenditure was Tk 18,000 crore. The remaining Tk 22,000 crore was allegedly misappropriated by Salman F Rahman and his syndicate members. The ACC has taken the allegation into account and decided to launch an inquiry.

According to ACC sources, a syndicate led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Adviser on Private Industry and Investment, Salman F Rahman, and former Health Minister Zahid Maleque was involved in the vaccine procurement scandal.

The syndicate reportedly included then-Health Secretary Lokman Hossain, Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) Chairman Modasser Ali, and former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Ahmad Kaikaus. Due to their influence, the Bangladesh-developed COVID-19 vaccine Bongavax was allegedly blocked from approval.

Former Health Minister Zahid Maleque had claimed that Tk 40,000 crore was spent on vaccine procurement and distribution. However, a Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) report suggested that the cost should not have exceeded Tk 18,000 crore.

The syndicate allegedly delayed the approval of the locally developed vaccine to benefit themselves financially. Salman F Rahman reportedly received a separate commission from Serum Institute, which did not happen in any other country.

BDST: 1755 HRS, March 17, 2025
MSK