Staff Reporter :
State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak has exposed that Postal Department employees have embezzled Tk 55 crore from customer funds and the department’s own funds.
He disclosed the information at a workshop in Gulshan jointly organised by A2I, the Department of Information and Communication Technology, and the International Telecommunication Union.
Palak mentioned Parul Begum from Tanore, Rajshahi, who had Tk 2 lakh embezzled by Postal Department employees.
This case is part of a broader issue involving multiple instances of financial misconduct within the department. “Eleven such irregularities have been identified. A letter has been sent to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to take action against these employees,” Palak said.
The issue came to light following an allegation against Postmaster Mohammad Moksed Ali of Tanore Upazila Post Office in Rajshahi.
Parul Begum, who had deposited Tk 2 lakh in a family savings card, attempted suicide after failing to recover her money.
This tragic event prompted the state minister to alert various upazilas, including Tanore, to identify other potential victims of fraud. Consequently, 51 additional customers reported being cheated.
In response to these irregularities, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has initiated measures to lease cars and land to curb losses and prevent an estimated annual loss of Tk 700 crore.
The minister noted that 20 institutions have shown interest in this initiative.
During the workshop, Palak also focused on the ongoing investigation into the financial losses of Teletalk, Teshis and BTCL. “The full report of the investigation will be available by June 30,” he said.
Journalists attending the workshop expressed concerns about facing obstacles when they try to enter the postal building, despite these revelations of corruption and misconduct.