Bank Booth Disappears with Customers’ Money!

Local Correspondent

Allegations of embezzlement have surfaced against a temporary bill collection booth of First Security Islami Bank set up in the premises of the zonal office of Palli Bidyut Samity-1 in Bakerganj, Barisal.

The allegation states that after collecting bills from customers, the concerned officer embezzled the money instead of depositing it in the bank. A case has been filed in court regarding the embezzlement of approximately 13 lakh 42 thousand taka, and the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has begun an inquiry.

Local mobile banking agent Lokman Sikdar had been collecting electricity bills from customers in various villages of Rangasree Union for the past 8 years and depositing them at the bank booth located below the Palli Bidyut office. In exchange for the money given by customers, he would provide a temporary receipt, and the bank officer in charge of the booth would sign and stamp the deposit slip.

Lokman Sikdar claims that last year, he collected bills from around 1,000 customers in several villages, including Boalia, Nandapara, Baligram, and Bakrakathi, and deposited them at the booth. The total deposit amount was over 40 lakh taka. However, in January of this year, it was discovered that the entire amount had not been deposited in the bank.

Junior officer Sazzad Hossain, who was in charge of the booth, was transferred to Chittagong in January. A few days after the transfer, it was found that pending bills for 3–4 months had been sent to nearly 500 customers, even though these bills had already been deposited at the booth.

Regarding this matter, Lokman Sikdar formally informed the bank manager in writing on February 23 of this year and requested a refund. Subsequently, on February 27 and March 11, he also submitted written complaints to the manager of the Palli Bidyut zonal office. However, neither party took any effective action.

Finally, on May 21, Lokman Sikdar filed a case at the Barisal Senior Judicial Magistrate Court. The accused include Junior Officer Sazzad Hossain of First Security Islami Bank’s Port Road branch, Branch Manager Mezba Uddin, and the then DGM of Palli Bidyut Bakerganj Zone, Gobinda Chandra Das.

The court assigned the PBI to investigate the case. On June 22, investigating officer SI Abdur Rahim visited the scene and recorded statements from at least 20 customers.

Lokman Sikdar alleges that since customers had given the money to him, the responsibility for the undeposited funds falls on him. Under pressure from customers, he has already paid nearly 10 lakh taka in bills from his personal funds. Bills worth around 2 lakh taka for 120 customers remain unpaid, and the electricity department has already threatened disconnection.

Accused bank officer Sazzad Hossain said, “Although I was in charge, I did not embezzle the money. Multiple officers performed duties in rotation. If anyone committed irregularities, it will come out in the investigation.”

First Security Islami Bank Manager Mezba Uddin said, “Due to financial constraints, the operations of that booth have been suspended. The case is under investigation. Action will be taken if anyone’s involvement is found.”

Current DGM of Palli Bidyut Bakerganj Zone, Mazharul Islam, stated, “We have received multiple complaints against the booth officers. These have been forwarded to higher authorities. Disconnections are not new; they happen due to unpaid bills.”

Investigating officer SI Abdur Rahim said, “The case investigation is ongoing. We have visited the scene and recorded statements from the plaintiff and customers. A report will be submitted to the court after the investigation.”

Meanwhile, public outrage is brewing over such irregularities and corruption involving customers’ electricity bill payments. The victims are demanding a swift refund and exemplary punishment for the culprits. The resolution of the matter depends on the investigation report and the court’s directives.