A confidential report submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office has raised serious allegations of financial misconduct against Khorshed Khastagir, the Deputy High Commissioner at the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia.
The report alleges that Khastagir engaged in financial irregularities by awarding High Commission contracts to a company named “EXPAT SERVICES,” which is associated with individuals close to him. Since his arrival in Malaysia, he has reportedly been involved in various controversial activities both within and outside the High Commission.
Shortly after assuming his position in Malaysia, Khastagir collaborated with a private company, “Dotline,” to launch a job portal called “BanglaTiger Digital.” The portal was launched without obtaining proper approval from the Malaysian government, leading to embarrassment for the High Commission.
Additionally, Khastagir introduced a chatbot for expatriates, which was rejected by the community. The chatbot was abruptly discontinued following the publication of a money laundering report in Prothom Alo involving Mahbub Matin, the owner of Dotline.
The report recommends that Khastagir be excluded from any involvement in the selection of local agents for e-passport-related matters or other assignments. It also suggests an investigation into the bank accounts of Khastagir and his family members.
The report further claims that Khastagir, along with former Counselor (Consular) G.M. Russell Rana, who was previously with the National Security Intelligence (NSI) in Bangladesh, has created a toxic environment within the High Commission. It is alleged that most of the staff, except for a few officials, avoid interacting with him.
During the student movement in Malaysia, Khastagir, along with Consular Murshed Alam, reportedly threatened to cancel the passports of protestors.
The allegations against Khastagir are believed to have had a negative impact on the functioning of the High Commission.
Expatriates have also expressed dissatisfaction with the service by EXPAT SERVICES.
