Flight Expert CEO Allegedly Flees Amid Website Shutdown

A wave of panic has swept through customers and stakeholders of Flight Expert, one of Bangladesh’s leading online travel agencies, following the abrupt shutdown of its website and serious allegations of financial misconduct.

According to a general diary (GD) filed at Motijheel Police Station, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Salman Bin Rashid Shah Sayeem, has allegedly fled the country, leaving behind unresolved transactions and growing uncertainty over thousands of travel bookings.

The complaint was lodged by company representative Sayeed Ahmed, who stated that Salman had posted a message in the company’s WhatsApp group, informing staff of his departure from Bangladesh. However, when employees arrived at the company’s office on Saturday, Salman was missing, and the office was found non-operational.

The GD also alleges that significant financial transactions involving customers and suppliers are now at risk, and several employees have reportedly received threats from aggrieved clients who are unable to confirm their bookings or obtain refunds.

Officer-in-Charge of Motijheel Police Station, Mezbah Uddin, confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway. He noted that multiple travel agencies have reported difficulties verifying tickets that were issued through Flight Expert, adding further weight to suspicions of financial irregularities.

As of now, the company’s official website remains inaccessible, and Salman has not responded to phone calls, emails, or any other form of contact. Police officials have refrained from providing additional details, citing the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the inquiry.

In a related development, Flight Expert had previously been acquired by controversial e-commerce platform Evaly on 29 May 2021. Evaly itself was shut down following serious allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement, raising concerns about Flight Expert’s operations and governance structure.

As affected travelers continue to seek answers, law enforcement agencies are under pressure to uncover the extent of the damage and determine whether the case constitutes fraud, corporate misconduct, or a broader financial scam.