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4 years ago

ABB concerned over 'torture of bank official'

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The Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) has expressed deep concern over media reports on the threat to shoot and torture the Exim Bank's Managing Director (MD).

In a statement on Saturday, the ABB, a forum of MDs and chief executive officers (CEOs) of the country's scheduled banks, also called for taking appropriate actions following a thorough and fair investigation into the allegations.

Such an unwarranted incident would have an adverse impact on all concerned, including bankers, both at home and abroad, it added.

The ABB also expects that the authorities concerned would take immediate and effective steps to check any illegal activities with a view to ensuring a congenial and professional work environment in the country's banking sector.

According to a case filed by the Exim Bank authorities with the Gulshan Police Station recently, two directors of a renowned business group allegedly attempted to shoot Exim Bank's MD Mohammad Haider Ali Mia and Additional MD Mohammad Firoz Hossain over a loan request.

According to bdnews24.com, former army officer Serajul Islam, a director of the Exim Bank, started the case against Ron Haque Sikder, a director of National Bank Limited, and his brother Dipu Haque Sikder, on May 19, saying they had abducted the Exim Bank's Managing Director Mohammed Haider Ali Miah and Additional Managing Director Mohammad Feroz Hossain, and their two chauffeurs.

The charges also include firing a gun in an attempted murder and forcing Haider and Feroz into signing documents.

Following the filing of the case, Ron Haque and his brother left Bangladesh for Thailand by an air ambulance.

Mir Shahidul Islam, the chief of police's Special Branch, confirmed the development to the news agency on Friday.

"They had medical visas. We were unaware that they were accused in a case," said the additional inspector general of police.

The immigration police that operate under the Special Branch received no information on the case from the court or the investigators or any other relevant official, Shahidul said. "We came to know about the case later from the media," he added.

The National Bank Limited (NBL) has denied the charges brought against Ron Haque and his brother. It levelled counter charges against Exim Bank, saying one of the Exim Bank directors had taken loans from the NBL and tried to borrow more through illegal means. The case against the Sikder brothers was aimed to belittle them, it added.

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