A Dhaka court has granted bail to two accused in a case involving the embezzlement of Tk80.23 crore from an entrepreneur, sparking disappointment from the plaintiff who fears justice may be denied.
The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka issued the bail order on Tuesday after the accused surrendered and sought bail, promising in writing to reach a compromise with the plaintiff regarding the cheques and transactions.
The plaintiff, Shamima Atikullah Khan, filed the case on 28 January, alleging that accused Razia Rahman alias Brishti and her associates fraudulently embezzled the money meant for settling bank loans.
According to the case details, Razia Rahman was a close family friend whom the plaintiff had cared for since childhood, later appointing her as chief business officer of her organisation, providing a car, and even covering her wedding expenses with gold ornaments worth Tk50 lakh.
After the plaintiff’s husband passed away, leaving the family business with bank loan complications, Razia allegedly presented herself as having good relations with bank officials and took charge of coordinating financial transactions. At her instigation, the plaintiff opened a new bank account with Razia as the nominee.
The plaintiff arranged Tk80.23 crore from land sales and other sources for loan settlement, handing over 54 signed cheques to Razia without filling in the amounts, trusting her assurances. However, the money was never deposited for loan settlement, and the accused allegedly withdrew and transferred the funds to their own accounts.
When the plaintiff later discovered the fraud and demanded the money back, the accused began avoiding contact.
Following the filing of the case, the court issued summons and later arrest warrants when the accused failed to appear. Travel bans were also imposed.
Granting bail on Tuesday with the condition of a compromise by 27 May, the court accepted the accused’s written assurance of a settlement.
Plaintiff’s lawyer Raju H Palash expressed dismay, saying, “In a case involving embezzlement of such a large amount, courts generally do not grant bail without repayment of some of the money. The court granted bail based solely on a written statement of a compromise. As a result, the plaintiff has been deprived of justice.”
He claimed the accused were part of an organised syndicate that had embezzled over Tk80 crore from the Janakantha Group and laundered a large portion to Canada and Malaysia.
Adding that she was the editor of a national daily, the plaintiff said, “I have provided clear documentary evidence to the court. I am disappointed that bail was granted in a case of embezzlement of such a huge sum. This is a threat to all of society and to the state. I am in doubt whether I will receive justice.”
Defence lawyer Tushar Kanti Das said accused Razia is currently abroad and did not appear in court, adding that the matter would be resolved through discussion when she returns.
