A two-member investigation committee headed by AGM Kamal Pasha was formed Sunday (Sept. 6) morning. The other committee member is PO Atiqul Islam.
A report was published earlier in local media accusing the manager of Sonali Bank’s Pirgachha branch of harassing customers, misbehavior, irregularities and arrogant remarks.
The report quoted the manager as saying, “I am an AGM manager at Sonali Bank, a fourth-grade officer. The UNO of this upazila serves two grades below me, in the sixth grade. I am the top official in this upazila. Whatever I say is law — the bank runs on my word.” When the matter came to the bank authorities’ attention, a committee was formed to investigate the allegations.
On Sunday, committee members spent the day at Sonali Bank’s Pirgachha branch conducting an on-the-ground investigation. They spoke with numerous customers who had come for services, and also gathered information from customers about the report published in the media.
During the investigation, customers were asked about the bank’s service quality, the branch manager’s conduct, harassment, checkbook issuance, solvency certificates and loan-related processes, among other matters. Several customers raised allegations of the branch manager’s misbehavior, arrogant conduct and various forms of harassment before the investigation committee.
Complaints were also raised about ordinary customers’ access to the manager’s office. Several customers told the investigation committee that even when they went to see the manager over necessary banking services or problems, ordinary customers were not easily allowed into his office. However, they alleged that a few people known to be close to the manager regularly came and went from, and stayed in, that office.
Several customers also alleged before the investigation committee that the branch manager had built a circle of close associates, used them as intermediaries for various matters, and gave them extra benefits compared with ordinary customers.
Several customers also raised various complaints before the investigation committee regarding loan disbursement and checkbook issuance. Relevant documents and bank records will reportedly be reviewed to verify these allegations.
Investigation committee head AGM Kamal Pasha said, “The two-member investigation committee was formed on the GM’s instructions. We will speak with customers on the ground and submit our report.”
After the day-long investigation, committee members gathered the necessary information and complaints. Officials said a report will be submitted to the bank authorities once the investigation process is complete.