Blacklisted BS Technical resurfaces under new identity
Despite reforms and anti-corruption measures following the fall of the Awami League government, a blacklisted intermediary network is reportedly still active in high-value security procurement projects. Formerly known as BS Technical Services, the company is allegedly attempting to re-enter major state projects after changing its identity and operational structure.
According to the investigation, the company has relocated its office and is allegedly using another firm’s identity to influence the proposed Tk 300 billion J-10CE fighter jet acquisition project with China, as well as the Tk 6.08 billion drone production and technology transfer project. Sources said it has adopted new strategies to maintain its influence.
Official records identify retired Group Captain Muhammad Alamgir as the owner of BS Technical Services. However, sources alleged the company had long operated under the influence of former defence and security adviser retired Major General Tareq Ahmed Siddique, while financial transactions reportedly involved his wife, Shaheen Siddique. Attempts to obtain comments from them were unsuccessful.
Documents reviewed during the investigation also allege the company violated public procurement rules. It reportedly obtained permission to establish a Technical Service Complex inside the restricted apron area of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport without an open tender and later operated the facility jointly with UK-based Storm Aviation Limited.
Following the 2024 mass uprising, authorities took action against several controversial firms based on intelligence reports. Government records show BS Technical Services, listed as serial No. 79, had its security clearance revoked and was blacklisted. The Anti-Corruption Commission also filed multiple cases against Tareq Ahmed Siddique and his wife, while the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit froze several of their bank accounts.
The investigation further alleges that the company later shifted its operations to Mirpur DOHS, where it is now operating under the signboard of Messrs Northern Brothers. Sources also claimed that former officials continue coordinating projects from offices in the same building.
Recently, the Bangladesh Air Force and China’s state-owned CETC approved a Tk 6.08 billion drone production and technology transfer project. Although the Finance Ministry cleared the release of funds with conditions, experts warned that the former intermediary network could again become involved through local representation, benefiting from commissions rather than facilitating genuine technology transfer.
Meanwhile, the proposed procurement of 24 J-10CE multirole fighter aircraft from China, valued at around Tk 300 billion, has reached its final stage. Sources said several parties are competing for local representation, while documents indicate BS Technical Services has maintained long-standing business ties with China’s CATIC, raising fresh questions about its possible involvement.
Security and governance analysts warned that if a company previously declared unsuitable through official security assessments can re-emerge under a different identity, it raises concerns about both financial transparency and the effectiveness of state oversight. They called for identifying the real beneficiaries, limiting the role of intermediaries, and ensuring greater accountability in defence procurement.
Rejecting the allegations, BS Technical Services said a syndicate has been running a smear campaign against the company since the change of government. Speaking anonymously, a company official said there is no evidence linking the firm to any wrongdoing and maintained that it is not involved in any state procurement activities.
