ABB for fair probe into 'torture' on Exim Bank officials

The Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB) has expressed deep concern over the alleged murder attempt and torture on Exim Bank managing director and additional MD by two directors of Sikder Group.

In a statement sent to media on Saturday evening, ABB said they had noticed a Prothom Alo report published on 26 May and some other reports on shooting and torturing of the MD and additional MD of Exim Bank.

Saying that such an unprecedented incident will cast negative impact on bankers and other stakeholders of home and abroad alike, the association expects that the authorities will take necessary actions after full and proper investigation of the incident.

The ABB expects the authorities concern will take prompt and effective actions against wrongdoings of any quarters for sake of banking sector’s well-being.

Director of Exim Bank Sirajul Islam filed a case with Gulshan police station against Ron Haque Sikder and Dipu Haque Sikder, sons of Sikder Group owner Zainul Haque Sikder on 19 May.

According to the case statement, Ron and Dipu on 7 May attempted to murder Exim Bank managing director Mohammad Haider Ali Miah and additional managing director Mohammad Firoz Hossain, shooting at them as they did not accept their mortgage documents for a loan.

Additionally, the Sikder brothers had allegedly tortured the two top bank officials at their Banani residence and forced them to sign a blank paper.

Ron Haque Sikder and his brother Dipu Haque Sikder, however, left Dhaka on an air ambulance as ‘patients’ on 25 May.