Shamim Iskander

Shamim Iskander is a Bangladeshi businessman, retired flight engineer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, and brother of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Biography Iskander served as an flight engineer of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited. In July 2008, The Daily Star report alleged that he had accumulated substantial wealth during the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance government through commissions connected to aircraft leasing, maintenance contracts, and procurement activities involving Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Reports also stated that the Anti-Corruption Commission was investigating allegations against him. His car was seized by Dinajpur police. Authorities later alleged that information had been concealed in response to the notice, leading to a case being filed at Ramna Police Station in 2008. He was later produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka, where his bail request was not accepted, and he was sent to jail custody by Magistrate A. M. Zulfiquer Hayat. His wife was granted bail. The case had been filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission against him and his wife over allegations of concealing wealth information in statements submitted to the commission.

In January 2015, Iskander travelled to Malaysia with other family members following the death of his nephew, Arafat Rahman Koko. The family members went to arrange the return of the body to Bangladesh. In the letter, he stated that he would bear the expenses of the treatment. He subsequently appealed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

In February 2018, he visited Khaleda Zia at the Old Dhaka Central Jail following her imprisonment. He was accompanied by other family members, including his wife Kaniz Fatema, their son Ovik, and Khaleda Zia's sister Selina Rahman. In March 2020, following the government's decision to temporarily release Khaleda Zia from prison under conditions, he expressed appreciation for the decision. Khaleda Zia returned to her Gulshan residence Feroza Bhaban after spending 776 days in custody and receiving hospital treatment. She was escorted to the house by family members, including Iskander and his wife Kaniz Fatema. The application requested assistance either through court bail or special permission from the government. He also asked Bangladesh Nationalist Party activists to exclude Khaleda Zia from political activities.

Personal life Islander is married to Kaniz Fatema. They live in Gulshan. Their sons are Ovik Iskandar, Fayek Iskander and Fasbir Iskander. His sisters are former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia, and Selima Islam. His brother was retired major and member of parliament Sayeed Iskander.