Savings certificates repeatedly shown ‘sold’ by culprits

This includes Tk two crore 30 lakh misappropriated from savings certificates, according to sources yesterday.

Postal Operator Liaquat Ali was arrested yesterday from Nilphamari Head Post Office following filing of a separate case by Post Master Torab Ali on the same day.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The misappropriation was detected earlier on the day by the inquiry committee headed by Additional Director General of Postal Department.

Earlier a case was filed with Nilphamari thana accusing three persons. They are Assistant Post Master Mir Nurul Islam Munna, Ledger Operator Ahamedul Islam Raju and Postal Operator Toslimuddin. Munna and Raju are in custody and Toslomuddin is absconding.

Deputy Post Master General (DPMG) of Dinajpur Postal Region Rezaul Islam, who is now also in charge of Rangpur Region, was present when Postal Operator Liaquat Ali Khan was arrested.

He took the charge of Rangpur Region in addition to Dinajpur Region after suspension of former DPMG of Rangpur, Mahbubur Rahman on Sunday.

Rezaul Islam told this correspondent that the culprits drew money illegally against postal savings certificates which were not sold or not actually in existence.

A large number of savings certificates were shown 'sold' again and again to draw money repeatedly.

On Sunday, the Additional Pot Master General of Rajshahi Division told this correspondent that the culprits mingled all important papers and documents like savings, fixed deposit and current account.

He said the probe team was classifying the papers and documents.

Defalcation of Tk two crore 30 lakh was detected after examining only a fraction of postal savings certificates.

The five-member high-level probe team led by Additional Director General Mobasserur Rahman is working here since April 3.

Meanwhile, panicky account holders continued to crowd the Head Post Office yesterday either to withdraw money or check their accounts.

But there is liquidity crisis at the Head Post Office. Abdul Wahed (account No 13225) was moving in the post office yesterday. He told this correspondent that he had submitted his cheque on Saturday but did not get the money. Jahanara Begum, another account holder (No 626) also said she is facing the same problem.

When asked about this, DPMG Reajul Islam said monthly allotment for Nilphamari Head Post Office is Tk 16 lakh. This amount has been paid off because of rush for withdrawal.

"We have sent message to Dhaka asking for additional funds.

"We will get the required funds soon to meet the demands of our clients", he added.

He firmly said account holders have nothing to worry. Their accounts will remain intact.