Staff Correspondent:

Three top leaders of Jatiyatabadi-leaning employees’ organization “Zia Parishad” of Rupali Bank PLC have been transferred outside Dhaka shortly after submitting a memorandum against the bank’s Managing Director, alleging corruption, administrative discrimination, political favoritism and financial irregularities.

According to sources within the organization, following the publication of reports in different newspapers over the memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Finance, the bank authorities issued immediate transfer orders against the top leaders of the central committee of Zia Parishad.

Convener Md. Golam Sarowar was transferred to Faridpur, Senior Joint Convener ASM Niaz Mosharred to Mymensingh, and Member Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury to Cumilla.

The organization alleged that although the transfer order involving 11 officials mentioned June 18 as the deadline for release for others, the three Zia Parishad leaders were ordered to join their new workplaces immediately.

On the other hand, the same order reportedly transferred Mymensingh regional General Secretary of pro-Awami League “Swadhinata Bankers Parishad,” Mir Abu Naser Joy, to the Motijheel Corporate Branch in Dhaka.

Earlier, on June 4, leaders of Rupali Bank Zia Parishad submitted a memorandum to the Finance Minister demanding the removal of Managing Director Kazi Wahidul Islam, alleging that he had engaged in political favoritism, intimidation of anti-fascist officers, administrative irregularities and corruption.

The memorandum claimed that the bank suffered losses of nearly Tk 600 crore due to “poor management, inefficiency and corruption.” It also alleged irregularities at the Rupali Bank Training Academy, misuse of funds in the name of sports activities, politically motivated promotions and postings, and harassment of officers allegedly opposed to the previous Awami League government.

The organization further claimed that officials associated with anti-fascist movements and BNP ideology were subjected to transfers, promotion deprivation and intimidation after the current MD assumed office.

Zia Parishad leaders demanded the immediate removal of Kazi Wahidul Islam from the post of Managing Director and called for intervention from Acting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Finance Ministry. They also demanded restructuring of the bank administration, removal of what they termed “fascist influence” from the banking sector, and proper placement of officers who participated in anti-fascist movements.

The organization alleged that the latest transfer order was issued as a retaliatory measure following the memorandum and media reports surrounding the allegations.