ATAB board dissolved over irregularities, govt appoints administrator

The Ministry of Commerce has dissolved the current board of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) amid allegations of irregularities and financial misconduct. To ensure proper functioning of the organization, the ministry has appointed an administrator to oversee ATAB’s operations.

In a gazette notification issued on Monday, the Trade Organizations-2 wing of the ministry announced the appointment of Deputy Secretary Motakabbir Ahmed as the new administrator.

According to the notification, the existing ATAB committee was elected through illegal voting. Additionally, despite a ban by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the committee allegedly launched the ‘ATAB Online’ platform and misappropriated funds from multiple shareholders. Serious allegations have also been raised against ATAB President Abdus Salam Aref and Secretary General Afsia Jannat Saleh. A human chain has reportedly been formed demanding their arrest.

The decision to dissolve the executive committee and appoint an administrator was made following an application from the ATAB Reform Council. The newly appointed administrator has been directed to update the voter list, conduct free and fair elections, and hand over responsibilities to the newly elected committee within 120 days. The ministry has also asked for a formal report upon completion of the process.

Responding to the development, ATAB Secretary General Afsia Jannat Saleh told Views Bangladesh, “This decision is completely one-sided. Without any discussion, the government acted under the influence of ticket syndicate businesses. We will respond through legal channels.”