In a dramatic turn of events signalling deepening instability within Bangladesh’s interim government, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the Special Assistant to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, has resigned and left the country.
Taiyeb, who held the equivalent status of a state minister, departed on February 14 via an Emirates Airlines flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, initially bound for Dubai, with reports indicating his final destination as the Netherlands or Germany.
His abrupt exit comes amid mounting allegations of corruption and undue influence in major telecom projects, raising questions about accountability in the Yunus-led administration as it nears the end of its tenure following the February 12 national elections.
Taiyeb, a BUET electrical engineering graduate, was appointed to his role on March 5, 2025, after serving as an ICT Policy Adviser since November 2024. He was also named to the board of Biman Bangladesh Airlines on January 14, 2026. Officials confirmed he bid farewell to colleagues in the ICT and Telecom divisions on February 9 and 10, submitting his resignation letter before departing. Attempts to reach ministry spokespersons for comment were unsuccessful.
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This resignation follows a pattern of controversies that have plagued the interim government, including accusations of irregularities in asset disclosures and favouritism toward allies. With elections ushering in a new BNP-Jamaat coalition government, Taiyeb’s flight has fueled speculation about potential probes into his actions and those of other Yunus aides.
Corruption Allegations
Taiyeb faces serious accusations of fraud, bribery, and interference in procurement processes for high-profile telecom initiatives. Central to these claims is the Bangladesh Telecommunication Company Limited (BTCL) “Development of Optical Fibre Transmission Network for 5G Readiness” project, valued at Tk10.6 billion, with Tk4.6 billion earmarked for equipment.
Launched in February 2022 under the previous Awami League government, the project was marred by irregularities, including rapid evaluation of bids in just four days and awarding a Tk3.26 billion contract to Huawei Technologies despite none of the bidders fully meeting tender requirements.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated a probe on January 9, 2025, uncovering overprocurement of equipment with five times the required capacity, potential leaks of sensitive information, and violations of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2006 and Rules (PPR) 2008. Despite the ongoing investigation, Taiyeb allegedly pushed for continuation, sending letters to the ACC chairman on April 13 and June 22, 2025, requesting “personal attention and cooperation” to proceed, citing risks of financial loss. He also met the chairman personally and sought legal opinions from a private firm, bypassing BTCL’s internal panel.
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Further complicating matters, Taiyeb visited China from May 6-9, 2025, sponsored by the “Chinese Enterprises Association Members in Bangladesh,” shortly before Huawei shipped equipment without mandatory factory inspections. Critics, including Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, described these actions as “facilitating corruption” and a conflict of interest, urging an independent review.
Taiyeb has denied wrongdoing, stating at a July 7, 2025, press conference that his letters merely sought ACC cooperation and that no probes were halted. He emphasised that irregularities occurred under the prior regime and that proceeding was necessary to avoid Tk 600 crore in losses.
Additional allegations include improper approval of Starlink operations without full procedural adherence, the Golden Spectrum scandal, potentially bypassing security protocols, and awarding projects in exchange for bribes. Taiyeb attended meetings with Yunus, foreign investors, diplomats, and Meta representatives, raising concerns of undue influence. Starlink launched in May 2025 under his oversight, with Taiyeb assuring no threat to national security, though experts warned of risks in a volatile region.
Nepotism In Appointment
Taiyeb’s rapid rise has been criticised as emblematic of favoritism within the interim government. Appointed shortly after Adviser Nahid Islam resigned on February 25, 2025, to lead the Yunus-backed National Citizen Party (NCP), Taiyeb’s selection drew scrutiny for his dual citizenship and perceived lack of political neutrality. Critics argue his role was influenced by close ties to Yunus, amid broader allegations of cronyism in the administration.
While direct family nepotism isn’t documented for Taiyeb, his aide, Atik Morshed, faced accusations of embezzlement and appointing relatives, including his wife, to positions at mobile financial service Nagad.
Morshed, previously attached to Nahid Islam, was implicated in irregular recruitment and fund misuse, with Taiyeb acknowledging the issue on social media and initiating an investigation. These incidents highlight a pattern of nepotism and conflicts of interest under Taiyeb’s watch, fueling claims that appointments prioritised loyalty over merit in Yunus’ circle.
The Silent Resignation
Taiyeb’s resignation was formalised before his departure, with officials noting he would “return to his own work” following the publication of the new lawmakers’ gazette. Immigration sources confirmed his exit at 9:55am on February 14 aboard Emirates flight EK-583.
The move echoes the flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, amid protests that installed the interim government.
His exit has been linked to intensifying scrutiny over the 5G project and other dealings, with the ACC probe ongoing and calls for broader investigations into interim officials’ assets.
Who Is Next?
Taiyeb’s departure raises alarms about further instability in the interim setup as power transitions to the new parliament on February 16. The government has faced criticism for failing to disclose advisers’ assets amid corruption claims involving family members and aides.
Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam recently hinted at his own final briefing, suggesting potential exits. Earlier, Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain said that several advisers had returned their diplomatic passports.
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