The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an inquiry into a syndicate led by Salman F Rahman, vice-chairman of Beximco Pharmaceuticals, over allegations of embezzling Tk 22,000 crore from the COVID vaccine procurement process.
The ACC made the decision at a meeting on Monday, based on a written complaint from Moidul Islam, an official of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council. The allegations were submitted after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, following a student-led mass uprising.
During the pandemic in 2020-21, the Bangladesh government signed a deal in December 2020 to purchase three crore doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India, with Beximco Pharma acting as the sole intermediary. However, recent investigations have raised serious concerns over the transparency of the procurement process.
The complaint suggests the deal failed to follow government procurement guidelines. Despite the availability of alternative suppliers, the government opted for a single-source purchase, bypassing competitive bidding or negotiations. The allegations also point to the involvement of high-profile political figures, including a lawmaker and an adviser to then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in the agreement—potentially violating legal norms.
Beximco Pharma’s role in the procurement process has been questioned, with claims that its involvement led to inflated vaccine prices. Had the government procured vaccines directly from Serum Institute, Bangladesh could have secured an additional 68 lakh doses for the same cost. Beximco reportedly earned Tk 77 per dose in profit after deducting other import costs.
The alleged syndicate, led by Salman F Rahman and former health minister Zahid Maleque, is believed to have played a significant role in the scam. Other figures reportedly involved include former health secretary Lokman Hossain, ex-chairman of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council Modasser Ali, and former principal secretary to the prime minister Ahmad Kaykous. The group is accused of siphoning off at least Tk 22,000 crore through vaccine procurement and distribution.
Zahid Maleque previously stated that Tk 40,000 crore was spent on vaccines, but Transparency International Bangladesh estimated the actual expenditure should not have exceeded Tk 18,000 crore.
The syndicate is also accused of blocking the approval of the locally developed ‘Bongvax’ vaccine by Globe Biotech to maintain control over the market. Allegations further suggest Salman F Rahman personally received a commission from the Serum Institute and used his influence to benefit Beximco at the state’s expense.
Salman F Rahman, a senior Awami League leader and former private industry affairs adviser to Sheikh Hasina, was arrested following the government’s collapse. He has remained in jail since August 2024, facing multiple corruption charges.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
