Faiz Ahmad confirms going abroad on leave to be with family after farewell, says will return to Bangladesh
Denying allegations of corruption, Taiyeb said he had not committed “even one taka” of wrongdoing and rejected accusations of embezzlement
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, ICT affairs adviser to the chief adviser, has confirmed that he went abroad after formally taking leave from his posts to be with his family and that he would return to Bangladesh, amid speculation surrounding his departure from the country.
In a statement posted on Facebook early Sunday (15 February), Taiyeb said he officially took leave from the ICT Division, the Posts and Telecommunications Division (PTD), and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on 8, 9 and 10 February, with 10 February marking his final working day.
The statement comes amid speculation that Taiyeb left the country indefinitely without following proper procedures in light of the interim government's exit and swearing-in of a newly elected government following the 12 February elections.
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In his statement, Taiyeb said after completing his official responsibilities — including duties related to the election and contributions to technology-driven electoral arrangements — he held a farewell dinner with officers and staff, where colleagues sang to bid him goodbye.
Addressing criticism, Taiyeb urged people to verify facts before making "disrespectful and harsh" remarks about him.
He said he was travelling to attend a parents' meeting at his son's school and to respond to a medical emergency involving his wife, adding that he had sought leave through proper procedures and purchased a return ticket.
Taiyeb also said he plans to look for a job soon, claiming that he suffered financial losses during his time in public service and has exhausted his savings.
Reflecting on his tenure, he said he introduced new management practices, technology and transparency in what he described as a corrupt ministry, and worked extensively to reform outdated laws and policies.
He invited professional research organisations or audit firms to verify his claims.
Denying allegations of corruption, Taiyeb said he had not committed "even one taka" of wrongdoing and rejected accusations of embezzlement.
He alleged that mobile business groups and "telecom mafias" had spread slander against him, saying he refused to bow to pressure.
He added that he intends to return to normal life, spend time with his family and take rest after a year of disrupted sleep, concluding his statement by asking for prayers.
