Police have arrested five people, including two former managers, over the alleged embezzlement of customers’ money at Agrani Bank’s Sreenagar Bazar branch in Munshiganj.
The five were arrested on Wednesday as part of the investigation into the case and to assist an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) inquiry launched following complaints from customers.
The arrestees are suspended cash officer Md Jinnah Hossain, former manager and senior principal officer Rezaul Haque and principal officer Md Sharif Uddin, security guard Ranju Ahmed, and suspended security guard Abdul Hai.
Earlier, police arrested bank officer Md Sharifuzzaman Sohag over the alleged embezzlement. After going into hiding on 22 September, he was arrested on 30 September from his sister’s house in Madhya Paikpara, Mirpur, Dhaka.
Police said they recovered Tk1,45,200 in cash, three mobile phones, a cheque book, two ATM cards and a locker key from him.
According to the allegations, while working at the Sreenagar branch, Sharifuzzaman issued customers receipts for depositing money into their accounts, but the money was allegedly not credited. In some cases, large amounts were allegedly withdrawn from customers’ accounts without their knowledge.
The alleged irregularities came to light on 27 September, after which affected customers began crowding the branch and submitting complaints.
By 29 September, around 300 customers had filed written complaints, according to officials concerned. The complainants claimed that the amount involved exceeded Tk25 crore.
Questions were also raised over the role of bank officials responsible for the branch. Following the complaints, the bank said it would investigate and audit the matter, and several officers and employees were subsequently suspended.
The ACC has also launched an inquiry into the alleged embezzlement based on the customers’ complaints. Bank sources said Sharifuzzaman has been shown arrested in the ACC inquiry.
With Wednesday’s arrests, the number of people arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement at the Sreenagar branch rose to six.
Police said they would investigate the allegations against the five newly arrested individuals before taking further legal action. The issue of refunding customers’ money will also be determined through the investigation and the bank’s internal audit.
Mahathir Muhammad Sami, assistant director at the ACC headquarters, said five people had been arrested through Sreenagar Police based on complaints from the victims.
“They are currently in police custody. The process is underway and the investigation is continuing,” he said.
Sreenagar Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Milton Dutta confirmed the arrests.
