Asiatic 3sixty addresses 'false claims', reaffirms transparency in operations

In light of recent allegations, Asiatic 3sixty has issued an official statement refuting all claims and clarifying its position. The following statement, signed by Group Chairperson Sara Zaker, outlines their stance in full:

Recently, a vested group has been spreading rumours and fabricated information through media and social platforms involving Asiatic 3sixty, its affiliated companies, and members of its board of directors. Motivated by self-interest, this group is creating confusion by circulating inaccurate and misleading information among the public and stakeholders. The allegations made against Asiatic 3sixty, without any factual basis, include the supply of fake gold medals, CRI connections, corruption in organising events for the 50th anniversary of independence and Mujib Borsho, involvement in organising Joy Bangla concerts, and monopolising the advertising market. It is worth mentioning that none of these allegations and extravagant claims apply to Asiatic 3sixty.

Asiatic's Statement on the Allegations
Regarding the gold crests that were presented to global leaders, politicians, thinkers, philosophers, artists, intellectuals, and prominent citizens of various countries in recognition of their support for Bangladesh's Liberation War — these were supplied by a different company, not Asiatic. However, a smearing campaign is being carried out against Asiatic. Asiatic's sole role in that initiative was to act as an event management company.

Likewise, neither Iresh Zaker nor any of the affiliated companies of Asiatic 3sixty has ever had any connection with CRI, nor do they have any such association at present.
The events commemorating the 50th anniversary of independence and Mujib Borsho were carried out under the official government procurement tender. Under this procedure, three organisations were selected through a competitive tender and pre-qualification evaluation. Asiatic was responsible for event management, logistics supply, and event-related technical support only, which was carried out in line with strict standards, processes, and transparency. All aspects of this engagement followed due process and were transparent at every step.

Asiatic has a competitive bidding process for all private and corporate clients; the company has always participated in competitive pitches and tenders, meeting the necessary criteria. Asiatic responds to requests for proposals, competes based on merit, and, upon selection, executes contracts with professionalism, efficiency, and clarity. In this regard, the highest integrity and transparency are always maintained, adhering strictly to globally recognised compliance and ethical procurement standards, ensuring the highest degree of integrity and openness in all business dealings. Asiatic does not hold any monopoly in Bangladesh's advertising or communications sector. It operates within a healthy and competitive market, where the company has earned its position alongside many other reputed agencies.

The Joy Bangla concerts held in previous years were organised by two other leading organisations (agencies). Asiatic Events or any other concerns of Asiatic 3sixty have never been involved in organising those concerts. It is also worth noting that while Asiatic was involved in organising some events for various ministries during the tenure of the past government, the company was never associated with managing or promoting any political party's campaign or event.

Regarding Bank Account Seizure
Following the instructions of the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), bank accounts belonging to 17 companies under Asiatic 3sixty, along with those of six board members and two employees, were frozen. No prior notice or official warning was issued to Asiatic in this matter.
Since, in this case, the media reports or any communication from the banks did not include any specific allegations, the Tax and Legal team of Asiatic has reached out to the relevant authorities to better understand the issue.

At present, Asiatic 3sixty directly employs more than 700 permanent staff and nearly 4,000 contractual employees nationwide. Its operations are deeply connected to the country's media industry, including television, radio, print, online, and digital media platforms. Asiatic works closely with artists, musicians, technicians, and professionals from various creative fields. In addition, over 500 vendors and service providers specialising in sound, lighting, set design, printing, photography, and other technical solution providers are associated with Asiatic's operations. The sudden freezing of the bank accounts of Asiatic 3sixty has placed the livelihoods of its employees, their families, and these extended partners at serious risk and raised concerns with deep empathy.

For almost six decades, as a reputed entity, Asiatic 3sixty has been conducting its operations with deep respect for the laws and regulations of this country. Founded by the late Aly Zaker, a pioneer of Bangladesh's advertising industry and a revered theatre personality, the company started its journey in 1966 as an advertising agency. Later, it evolved into Asiatic Marketing Communications Ltd. Today, Asiatic remains the only agency group in Bangladesh that works exclusively in marketing communications and related services. We are not involved in any other business. Over the last five years alone, Asiatic has contributed more than BDT 750 crore to the national exchequer in the form of VAT, taxes, and various government fees.

Aly Zaker, founder of Asiatic, built this institution with the belief that success must come through maintaining the highest standards and ensuring excellence in service. Honesty, transparency, and integrity — these are the core values upon which Asiatic is built. Asiatic 3sixty remains committed to these principles and will continue to operate with the same sincerity and care that has shaped the legacy of this institution.