'I'll return money if I survive': Driver sends text to Chinese businessman after 'fleeing with Tk1cr'

A driver allegedly fled with a bag containing Tk1 crore belonging to a Chinese garment businessman in Narayanganj's Rupganj and later sent him a text message saying, "I was forced to do it. If I survive, I'll return your money."

The accused is Zahid Hasan, 30, a resident of Phulbaria area under Harinakundu police station in Jhenaidah.

Akramul Islam, general manager of Lavender Fashion Limited, filed a case against Zahid with Rupganj Police Station, said Mehedi Islam, assistant superintendent of Narayanganj Police (Ga-Circle).

"Efforts are underway to arrest the accused driver and recover the money," he said.

According to the case statement, Zahid had been working as the driver of Lavender Fashion Chairman Yu Shali, a Chinese national, since 3 April this year.

On Tuesday (1 September), after completing work at a factory in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, Yu Shali and Zahid were travelling towards Dhaka.

Around 7pm, Yu Shali stopped the vehicle at Purbachal Cadet Club Hotel in Rupganj and got out to have a meal. At that time, Zahid allegedly drove away with the vehicle and the bag containing the cash.

The vehicle was later found parked at Le D'Or coffee shop in Gulshan, Dhaka. Zahid's mobile phone has remained switched off since the incident.

Akramul said Zahid later sent a message to Yu Shali, expressing regret over what he had done.

In the message, Zahid reportedly apologised and said he had left the vehicle at the Le D'Or coffee shop parking area. He also claimed that he had been forced to take the money and said he did not know whether he would survive.

"If I survive, I will return your money," Zahid reportedly wrote in the message.

Based on the message, the vehicle was recovered from the coffee shop's parking area in Gulshan.

Yu Shali has been involved in Bangladesh's readymade garment business for around 10 years and has four businesses in Gazipur. He also operates businesses in other countries.