Illegal overseas trips, transfer scam against PDB DD Rabeya Begum
Staff Correspondent
Severe allegations of unauthorized foreign travel, embezzlement of public funds, and participation in a lucrative transfer racket have been brought against Rabeya Begum, Deputy Director (In-situ) of the Directorate of Security and Inquiry at Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
According to a formal complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Power Division, Rabeya Begum traveled to India on three separate occasions using her private passport (number BB0107844) without obtaining mandatory Government Orders (GO) or departmental approval August 2 to August 16, 2014 (15 days)
She had approval leave from August 20 to September 3, 2018 (15 days, having drawn approved leave for only four days) and November 21 to December 1, 2018 (11 days)
A report sent by the Special Superintendent of Police (Immigration, Special Branch) verified her travel records. Despite staying abroad without authorization, she regularly drew her full salary and allowances, causing financial losses to the board.
The complaint states that former Director of the Directorate of Security and Inquiry Beg Nasir Jahan and Deputy Director Md Golam Kibria facilitated her unauthorized trips. Although departmental probes were ordered, senior officials suppressed the inquiry files. Instead of facing disciplinary action, Rabeya Begum was promoted and granted an in-situ posting in Dhaka.
Furthermore, the complaint details the operation of an illicit transfer syndicate comprising former Director Beg Nasir Jahan, Deputy Director Md Golam Kibria, contingent driver Mahadev Roy, and security guard Nazmul Sardar. The group reportedly extorted Tk 70,000 to Tk 1 lakh from security guards in exchange for postings, channeling the bribe money through a Sonali Bank salary account held by guard Nazmul Sardar.
Affected employees and civic groups have called on the ACC and high officials of the Power Division to launch a thorough investigation and institute legal proceedings against the accused.
She was not available for comments.
