A recent police investigation has uncovered a shocking financial scandal involving state-owned Sonali Bank, where a fraudulent gang allegedly used the identities of over 506 unsuspecting individuals, including daily workers, widows, fishermen, and beggars, in Longdu upazila of Rangamati around 12 years ago. The fraudsters managed to secure loans from the local branch, leaving victims unaware until they received notices from the bank, revealing the multiplied debt.
One victim, Fatema Begum, a homemaker from Paschim Chaillaytoli village, discovered that four accounts were opened in her name, accumulating a total loan amount of Tk 187,728. Shockingly, she had never applied for any loans and learned that her national identity (ID) card, initially used for a government allowance 12 years ago, was exploited for fraudulent loans.
According to police reports, loan notices were sent to residents of Vasannadam and Bogachattar unions in November of last year, with over 500 people receiving notifications. In response, victims raised complaints, prompting an investigation led by Londgu police station assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Md Joynal.
The investigation unveiled that Sonali Bank had sanctioned loans ranging from Tk 25,000 to Tk 35,000 to at least 500 people, totaling at least Tk 15 million. Victims allege a group of local agents and corrupt bank officials collaborated in the fraud, using their documents without proper verification. Signatures were reportedly forged, leading to questions about how such a large number of loans were approved without due diligence.
Several victims staged a demonstration on January 14, demanding justice and exposing the alleged involvement of local agents and bank officials. While ASI Md Joynal confirmed the validity of the allegations, Sonali Bank’s Langdu branch manager Md Abul Kayes refrained from commenting without authorization from higher authorities.
Langdu upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Md Saiful Islam acknowledged the irregularities and attributed them to the nexus between local agents and corrupt bank officials. He suggested that while the loans might not be waived, Sonali Bank could consider reducing some interest. Langdu upazila parishad chairman Abdul Barek Sarker emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to prevent harassment to the affected individuals, most of whom are poor and landless.
Stay tuned for updates on this Sonali Bank scandal as investigations continue and authorities address the concerns of the victims.
