Cooperative Society Allegedly Absconds with Crores of Taka from Over a Hundred Customers

The office of the Nilachal Shramjibi Samabay Samiti in Rupganj, Narayanganj, has been locked, with allegations surfacing that the cooperative society has fled with approximately one crore taka belonging to over a hundred customers. The affected customers, left in distress, have lodged complaints with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and other relevant authorities.

According to sources and affected customers, the Nilachal Shramjibi Samabay Samiti, an NGO, was established in 2020 in the Chanpara Rehabilitation Center area of Kayetpara Union, Rupganj Upazila. The cooperative was managed by Mainuddin Khan Joy (Manager), Mohammad Sabuj (General Secretary), and Mohammad Jiku (Treasurer). Mohammad Jiku, son of Soleman Miah from Ward No. 1 of Chanpara Rehabilitation Center, played a key role in collecting funds from customers.

The cooperative initially gained trust by providing loans to some local customers. Subsequently, around 300 customers from Chanpara and nearby areas joined the cooperative, depositing money through Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDR), savings accounts, and other schemes. Mohammad Jiku, being a local, was entrusted with collecting these funds. However, some time ago, the cooperative’s office was found locked, and Jiku, Joy, Sabuj, and other officials allegedly fled. Customers, left in despair, have been unable to locate the absconding individuals despite extensive searches. Mohammad Shahin, a victim from Ward No. 1 of Chanpara Rehabilitation Center and son of the late Abdul Latif, reported depositing a total of 7.49 lakh taka in the cooperative. This included 1.24 lakh taka in daily savings, 5 lakh taka in an FDR account, 73,000 taka in his wife’s savings account, and 50,000 taka in his mother’s FDR account. Shahin alleged that Jiku’s family, including his father and brother, are involved in the scam. When approached for their dues, the family allegedly threatened victims with abduction cases. Taslema Begum, wife of Al Amin Miah from the same area, stated that she invested 2.5 lakh taka in the cooperative for monthly profit-based returns. After the cooperative shut down and the perpetrators fled, she and her family have been left in financial ruin, struggling to afford education and daily expenses. She has filed a complaint with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Efforts to contact the accused were unsuccessful. Alamgir Azad Bhuiyan, the Upazila Cooperative Officer, confirmed that complaints have been received regarding the misappropriation of approximately 75 lakh taka from 70 customers. He noted that more customers might have been affected and assured that an investigation would be conducted, followed by appropriate action.

Rupganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam stated that several written complaints have been received regarding the cooperative’s closure and the alleged embezzlement of nearly one crore taka. He has instructed the Cooperative Officer to investigate and take necessary measures.