Panna Biswas, an official of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), has been named as an accused in several criminal cases, including cases related to violence and alleged killings during the student-led mass movement. Despite the cases against him, he continues to work at BIWTA.
Biswas has also faced allegations of corruption, tender manipulation, extortion and abuse of power. Critics have questioned how an official facing multiple criminal cases continues to remain in service and hold a position within the government agency.
Allegations of Political Influence and Appointment
According to allegations, Panna Biswas was appointed as an assistant in the accounts department of BIWTA in 2012 based on the recommendation of a senior Awami League leader and under special political consideration.
He subsequently held various positions in organisations affiliated with the ruling party and its associated groups, including vice-president of the BIWTA Workers League and a CBA leader, organising secretary of the Bangabandhu Sainik League, and joint general secretary of the BIWTA Bangabandhu Parishad.
Complainants allege that Biswas used his political affiliations and organisational positions to exert influence over various activities within BIWTA, including the leasing of terminals, tender processes and recruitment. He has also been accused of operating a powerful network in collaboration with allegedly corrupt officials and employees of the authority.
However, the allegations have not been independently established as proven facts by a court or, based on the information available for this report, by a competent investigative authority.
Allegations of Accumulating Wealth
Panna Biswas is currently reported to be working at the Shimulia Dredger Base of BIWTA. His ancestral home is in Gopalganj district, and his father, Panchanan Biswas, was a schoolteacher.
Allegations have surfaced that Biswas accumulated substantial wealth through corruption and irregularities during his approximately 13 years of government service. Some complainants have claimed that he owns assets worth several crores of taka.
However, the exact value of his assets and whether those assets were acquired legally or illegally have not been established through any publicly available official investigation cited in this report.
Multiple Cases Related to the Student-Led Movement
Several cases have reportedly been filed against Panna Biswas in different police stations in Dhaka in connection with the violence surrounding the student-led mass movement.
Khilgaon Police Station: A case has reportedly been filed against him alleging assistance with an attempt to murder, causing serious injuries, conspiracy, incitement and direct involvement in acts of violence.
Paltan Police Station — C.R. Case No. 64/2024: In a case filed under various sections of the Penal Code, Panna Biswas was reportedly named as accused No. 111, alongside former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Jatrabari Police Station — Case No. 704/2024: Panna Biswas was reportedly named as accused No. 151 in a case that also names former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasanul Haq Inu and Anisul Haque.
Mugda Police Station — C.R. Case No. 216/2024: He was reportedly named as accused No. 179 in a case involving the former prime minister and other senior political leaders.
The allegations contained in these cases remain subject to judicial proceedings, and being named as an accused does not by itself establish criminal liability.
Earlier Criminal Case
Panna Biswas also faced an earlier criminal case in 2017 over allegations that he assaulted Kripa Sanjib Kumar Das, an employee of BIWTA's accounts department.
The case, reportedly numbered 159/2017, was filed before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in Dhaka. According to the allegations, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) subsequently submitted a charge sheet in the case.
Allegations Concerning Assets Held in Family Members' Names
Further allegations have been raised concerning assets allegedly held in the names of Panna Biswas's wife, Dipika Das, who is reportedly a teacher at Unnayan School and College; his mother-in-law; his brother Rahul Deb Biswas; and his brother's wife, Tapasi Biswas.
The allegations include maintaining bank accounts, acquiring substantial assets and transferring money to India. It has also been alleged that investments were made in India, including the construction of a house.
However, the authenticity of these allegations, the source of the alleged funds and the ownership of the assets have not been independently established based on official documents or an investigative report available for this report.
When contacted by phone for comment on the allegations, Panna Biswas reportedly did not provide a direct response and instead referred the matter to another BIWTA official.
Questions Over His Continued Employment
The fact that Panna Biswas continues to perform his duties at BIWTA despite being named as an accused in several cases related to violence and alleged killings during the student-led movement has raised questions among complainants and critics.
They have called for a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations against him, including the cases, alleged corruption, abuse of power and alleged accumulation of unexplained wealth.
They have also questioned why an official facing multiple criminal cases continues to hold a position within the authority instead of being subjected to appropriate administrative scrutiny.
Ultimately, the allegations against Panna Biswas must be assessed through due legal and investigative processes, and any determination of criminal liability should be made by the competent court.