Agrani Bank acting MD arrested on graft charges
Dhaka: The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday arrested Mizanur Rahman Khan, two hours after he took over charge as acting managing director of state-owned Agrani Bank following the removal of its managing director.
ACC deputy director Benzir Ahmed arrested Mizanur Rahman Khan from Segunbagicha area of the capital in the afternoon, ACC Public Relations officer Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya told United News of Bangladesh.
Earlier in the day, Benzir Ahmed filed a case against eight people with Motijheel Police Station for allegedly swindling out Tk 94.8 crore from the bank.
The case was filed against Agrani Bank deputy managing director Mizanur Rahman Khan (now acting MD), its suspended managing director Dr Syed Abdul Hamid, deputy general manager Md Akhterul Alam, assistant general manager Md Shafiullah, former deputy managing director Md Tofazzal Hossain, retied deputy general manager Amirul Islam, former principal officer of head office Rafiqul Islam and owner of Moon Group Mizanur Rahman.
On Wednesday, the ACC also arrested deputy general manager Md Akhterul Alam, assistant general manager Md Shafiullah in connection with the graft case.
According o the case statement, the bank officials approved a Tk 108 crore loan to Moon Group against fake documents, and for their personal gains. Later, Moon Group withdrew Tk 94.8 crore from Agrani Bank and all the accused in collusion with each other swindled the amount.
Earlier in the day, Agrani Bank managing director Syed Abdul Hamid was removed from his post for granting huge loans violating rules. Later, its deputy managing director Mizanur Rahman was given the charge of the managing director of the bank as per rules.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh Bank decided to remove the managing director of the state-owned bank from his post for his role in loan scams.
There are allegations that Agrani Bank issued huge loans in favour of a number of business houses, including Moon Group and Tanaka Trading, violating rules.
Against this backdrop, the central bank had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the Agrani Bank managing director.
The Agrani Bank chief replied to the notice, but it was not accepted by the central bank which finally took the decision to remove him.

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