Allegations have emerged that while serving as Managing Director and Chief Editor of the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), journalist Mahbub Morshed arranged for his personal vehicle to be rented to the state-owned news agency through a third-party company, raising questions over transparency and financial propriety.
According to documents reviewed by this newsroom, the vehicle was leased via a company named Rent-a-Car Service at a monthly rate of 200,000 taka. The company’s owner, Md. Abdul Kader Mina, has claimed that the full payment for the rental went directly to Morshed, with no commission retained by the company.
A letter dated 25 November 2025 authorised the rental arrangement to commence from 1 December 2025. The agreement stipulated that the Toyota Allion vehicle would be provided “for the continuous official duties of the Chief Editor,” and included sixteen specific conditions, including provisions for fuel, driver, and other expenses.
Notably, records also indicate that another vehicle, owned by Mina’s company, was rented to BSS at a significantly lower rate of 70,000 taka per month. The discrepancy has drawn attention, as Morshed’s personal vehicle commanded nearly three times the cost.
Vehicle Rental Summary
| Vehicle Owner | Vehicle Model | Rental Company | Monthly Rent (BDT) | Rental Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahbub Morshed | Toyota Allion | Rent-a-Car Service | 200,000 | 1–31 Dec 2025, Jan–Feb 2026 | Full payment received by Morshed |
| Rent-a-Car Service | Company Vehicle | Rent-a-Car Service | 70,000 | Ongoing | Standard BSS rental |
Following the political transition after the 24th movement, Morshed was appointed by the interim government on 18 August 2025 for a two-year term. After the formation of the BNP-led government on 17 February 2026, he reportedly faced staff protests at BSS and subsequently vacated the office, never returning.
Morshed later alleged on social media that pressure had been mounted through orchestrated campaigns to force his removal. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formed a four-member committee to investigate allegations of financial irregularities, including the vehicle rental issue. The committee submitted its report by 25 February 2026, although its findings regarding Morshed’s actions have not yet been made public.
Attempts to contact Morshed on multiple occasions on Saturday were unsuccessful, with his phone number eventually found to be disconnected. Meanwhile, committee members have indicated that further scrutiny may be required to detail the full extent of any irregularities, suggesting that a subsequent review could be ordered by BSS management.