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Feni, May 6, 2025 – Customers of Southeast Bank’s Silonia Bazar Branch in Daganbhuiyan Upazila, Feni, are gripped by anxiety following allegations of embezzlement against a bank officer. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, an employee of the branch for eight years, is accused of misappropriating crores of taka from customers’ fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) and various accounts.
According to multiple sources, Haque allegedly siphoned off the funds through various means over a period of time. The accused, a resident of Paschim Fatehnagar in Chhagalnaiya Upazila, is the son of Abdul Haque from Salman Haji Bari. After news of the alleged fraud spread, distressed customers flocked to the branch to inquire about their savings. On May 4, officials from Southeast Bank’s audit department visited the branch to investigate the matter.
One affected customer, AK Azad, a businessman from Sonapur village in Jaylaskar Union, reported that approximately Tk32 lakh from his account is untraceable. “I used to conduct transactions through RTGS, but I suspect my signature was forged to siphon off the money,” Azad said.
Another victim, a travel agency businessman who requested anonymity, claimed Tk10 lakh was embezzled from his account despite not using RTGS or checks. “I don’t know how the money disappeared. Most expatriates’ wives rushed to the bank after hearing the news. We demand our money back immediately, but the authorities haven’t provided clear answers,” he said.
Imran Hossain, a South Africa-based expatriate, alleged that Tk50 lakh was withdrawn from his account on April 30. He informed the branch manager, Kamruzzaman, about the issue on May 1. Hossain claimed that after audit officials arrived, Haque fled the bank, allegedly pushing past security guard Joynal Abedin.
Repeated attempts to contact Haque were unsuccessful as his phone was found switched off.
When asked about the customers’ concerns, branch manager Kamruzzaman stated, “The matter has been escalated to senior bank officials. Audit officials have already visited, but we cannot provide details until the audit is complete.”
Abdul Rahman Chowdhury, Acting Managing Director of Southeast Bank Limited, assured that an audit is underway and a detailed report will follow. “The bank is responsible for safeguarding customers’ funds. There is no need for customers to panic,” he said.
AI/MR
