Calling it an ‘atrocious extortion’, the non-governmental anti-corruption organisation in a media statement on Saturday demanded justice and accountability in public interest and for corporate integrity.

“We’ve been deeply shocked and disappointed to see the media report that some airlines of Bangladesh have brazenly involved themselves in an unprecedentedly atrocious act of extortion of passengers taking the advantage of the higher demand for travels during the Eid holidays,” TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said.

This, he said, is an extremely shameful example of non-compliance of national and international standards which is unthinkable for outfits involved in airlines business, never experienced by any country befitting civilised corporate behaviour.

“If these airlines represented responsible and prudent corporate practice, they could have planned to make special arrangements to temporarily expand their fleet of aircrafts and/or increased number of flights to cope with the increased demand and thereby make additional profit,” Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, adding that but in no circumstance, they can resort to such illegal profiteering by collusive abuse of corporate power and indulge in such corrupt activities.

He called upon the authorities concerned, especially the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), to duly investigate the matter and bring to justice those responsible for this collusive corruption and harassment of the customers holding them to hostage. 

“Accountability must be ensured for public interest and in order to ensure the minimum level of corporate honesty and integrity. Given proper commitment they can still be even caught on the spot for action to be taken”, the TIB said in the statement.