EBL chairman denies Tk8,000cr embezzlement allegation

Recently, several media outlets have published misleading reports involving my name, which are not only inaccurate but also entirely baseless.

These false and fabricated reports claim that I have embezzled Tk8,000 crore using my position as Chairman of Eastern Bank PLC. I strongly protest and condemn all such unfounded and malicious news.

I have been conducting business in Bangladesh since the 1980s and firmly believe that I have consistently contributed to the national economy as a responsible and law-abiding citizen. Over the past four decades, I have made substantial investments across various sectors, including banking, insurance, ship recycling, tea, ceramics, housing, and logistics.

Throughout my 40-year career as an entrepreneur, I have never had a loan overdue even for a single day. I have never sought rescheduling or restructuring of any loan, nor have I ever applied for an interest waiver from any bank. By the grace of Almighty, I have always repaid every loan in full—often before the due date. Given this record of financial compliance, it is illogical to suggest that I could have laundered any money. As a leading businessman, transactions involving Tk8,000 crore in my business accounts represent normal banking activity.

It is also relevant to mention that my wife, our family, and our business organisations have been recognised as the Highest Taxpayers by the National Board of Revenue for 11 consecutive assessment years—from 2013-14 to 2023-24.

In recent days, certain online news portals, television channels, and a vested interest group have launched a coordinated campaign to tarnish my reputation as a leading entrepreneur. This malicious group has also attempted to falsely associate my name with Eastern Bank PLC, with the specific intent of harming the institution.

Eastern Bank PLC, as a reputable financial institution, conducts its operations in full compliance with all rules and regulations issued by Bangladesh Bank. There has never been any complaint from any authority against the bank or my role as its chairman. The allegation of embezzling Tk8,000 crore is so absurd that it reflects a reckless disregard for the truth. Should any relevant government institution wish to verify these matters, I will extend full cooperation.

Everyone in the business community knows who is behind these deliberate and malicious attempts to defame me. I therefore urge all concerned not to be misled by such orchestrated efforts aimed at damaging my personal and professional integrity as Chairman of Eastern Bank PLC.