Sariakandi Cooperative Leaders Missing After Tk 5 Crore Scam

More than 100 depositors formed a human chain in Sariakandi upazila of Bogura on Thursday, demanding the return of their savings and fixed deposits allegedly taken by officials of a local cooperative society.

The demonstration was held in front of the Karitala Bazar office of Suryyar Alo Samabay Samity in Kamalpur Union.

According to the victims, the society's President Farid Uddin and General Secretary Sohel Rana have been missing for several months after allegedly collecting between Tk 4.5 crore and Tk 5 crore from more than 100 depositors in the area.

Depositors said they found the society's office closed when they attempted to withdraw their savings. Subsequent visits to the officials' homes were unsuccessful, and both men remain unreachable by mobile phone.

Speakers at the human chain, including Helena, Khodeja, Murshida, Sultan Mahmud, Zahurul Islam and Sharmin, called for administrative intervention to recover their money and bring those responsible to justice.

According to the victims, Suryyar Alo Samabay Samity was established in 2015 by Farid Uddin and Sohel Rana in the Kashahar area of Kamalpur Union. The organization operated from an office in Karitala Bazar, while the president's residence was also used for some activities.

Residents were encouraged to deposit money with promises of higher returns than other financial institutions. Depositors said regular profits were paid for several years, helping build trust among local residents. However, profit payments reportedly stopped last year, and the office has remained closed since August 14, 2024.

Sharmin, whose family deposited Tk 7.5 lakh in the society, said they never imagined their savings would be lost.

"Many poor and helpless people invested their hard-earned money here. We want our money returned," she said.

Another depositor, Murshida, said she invested Tk 2 lakh earned from selling cattle. She alleged that promises of profit convinced her to deposit the money.

"I trusted them and deposited my savings. Now I cannot get my money back," she said.

Zahurul Islam said his disabled brother had deposited Tk 1 lakh in hopes of earning returns, but the family has been unable to recover the money.

Repeated attempts by this correspondent to contact Farid Uddin and Sohel Rana were unsuccessful as their mobile phones remained switched off.

Sariakandi Upazila Cooperative Officer Shafiqul Islam said the matter has been discussed in several meetings. He said a previous audit report on the society had been prepared and affected depositors would receive legal assistance if they file formal complaints.

Sariakandi Police Station Investigation Officer Nur Alam said police would investigate the matter and take necessary action upon receiving a written complaint.

Sariakandi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sumaiya Ferdous said no formal complaint has yet been submitted. She added that legal action would be taken in accordance with the law if affected depositors file complaints.