A Dhaka court on Thursday framed charges against former Somoy TV Managing Director Ahmed Jobaer in a case filed over alleged fraud and embezzlement, clearing the way for his trial.
Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman passed the order after rejecting Jobaer’s plea seeking discharge from the case.
The court fixed 10 November for recording the testimony of prosecution witnesses, said Jobaer’s lawyer Saleh Uddin. After the court framed charges, the lawyer sought bail for his client, but the court rejected the application.
In a separate case involving allegations of fraud, breach of trust and document forgery, Metropolitan Magistrate Ishrat Jahan also turned down his bail plea after hearing both sides.
According to the case statement, Jobaer allegedly withdrew Tk2.33 crore from Somoy Television’s funds without following proper procedures while serving as the company’s managing director.
After he was removed from the position, the company reportedly asked him to return the money along with two vehicles belonging to Somoy TV. The case alleges that he refused to hand over the assets and funds.
It further alleges that City Group, the owner of Somoy TV, subsequently served him with a legal notice demanding their return, but he did not respond.
Syed Asaduzzaman, a senior manager of Somoy TV, filed the case on 5 May, 2025.
The Police Bureau of Investigation later conducted an investigation and submitted its report to the court. The charges were framed based on that report.
Separate case against six
Jobaer and five others are also facing a separate case over alleged fraud, breach of trust and forgery of documents.
The other accused are his wife Shamima Sultana Chowdhury, daughter Saraf Nawar Joyita, son Ahmed Rafid Kader Ribhu, Sheikh Mahmud Yasin and Sunny Chowdhury.
The court had summoned the accused to appear on 17 June. When they failed to do so, it issued arrest warrants against them.
Four of the accused, including Jobaer, later surrendered before the court on 18 June and sought bail. The court granted bail to three of them but sent Jobaer to jail, where he has remained since.
Jobaer’s lawyer Saleh Uddin claimed the case was filed against his client out of retaliation amid an ongoing dispute over the ownership and management of Somoy Media Ltd.
He denied the allegations brought against Jobaer and said his client was not responsible for the offences alleged in the case.
