Staff Reporter :
Monir Mahbub, who conducts transactions through Bangladesh Post Office said “I have been making transactions through the Bangladesh Post Office for the past 10 years. I have reported several incidents and corruption records to different media outlets.
“While most officials are honest, the actions of a few dishonest ones have tarnished the postal service’s reputation.”
A year and a half ago, Mafia Begum went to the sub–post office in the Barishal Medical College Hospital area to purchase a savings certificate. She deposited Tk 600,000 for the savings scheme. However, despite repeatedly visiting the office for months, she did not receive any documents related to the deposit.
In the end, after going from door to door to the senior officials of the Barishal Head Post Office, she finally got her money back a few days ago. But she has not invested in any postal savings again, reports Kalbela. Mafia Begum said, “As a customer, I was treated unfairly by the postal officials. Because of their irregularities, I couldn’t purchase the savings certificate. For one and a half years, that office’s Alauddin Sikder kept my money.”
Embezzlement allegation against Kabir Ahmed (Current Director of Bangladesh Post Office)
An investigative report obtained by The New Nation reveals that a fraudulent entry of Tk 3,80,000 was recorded on 04 January 2005 in the head office ledger of the Narayanganj Central Post Office Savings Bank (General).
This account belongs to Shahnaj Begum Lily, wife of Kabir Ahmed, former postmaster of Narayanganj Head Post Office, who is currently working as a Director of the Postal Directorate. According to the report, Kabir Ahmed has confirmed his role in the fraudulent transaction in his wife’s account book, as he was serving as the postmaster of that post office at the time.
The cash entry on that day shows that the signatures of the ledger operator and the APM do not match their original ink signatures. The APM further stated that he was on leave that day.
The DPM also confirmed that any transaction above BDT 50,000 requires the DPM’s signature, yet the BDT 3,80,000 deposit entry on 04/01/2005 does not match his signature. There is no evidence that this amount was ever physically deposited at the post office.
Former additional pmg, central circle Abdullah Al Mahbubur Rashid has submitted the final enquiry report & findings to the Chief Postmaster General, Dhaka Circle. The inquiry report stated that Kabir Ahmed had been involved in unauthorized cash entry of 3,80,000 BDT and manipulation of postal savings accounts and Kabir Ahmed admitted the allegation.
However, an office order issued on 15 April 2008 said that a personal hearing regarding the allegations of irregularities against Kabir Ahmed was held on 16 June 2007. According to the order, signed by Iqbal Mahmud, former acting secretary, ministry of posts and telecommunications, the investigating officer’s report shows that after analyzing the departmental case documents, including the order sheet, the accused’s written statement, witness testimonies, and cross-examinations, the allegation of corruption against Kabir Ahmed was not proven beyond doubt.
However, the investigation confirmed his negligence of duty and lack of competence, which, under government service rules, constitutes misconduct. Kabir Ahmed’s entire period of suspension was counted as active duty, effectively converting the suspension duration into regular service time.
Kabir Ahmed told The New Nation over a phone call, “The allegation brought against me is not true. Those who were involved in the incident have already been punished with imprisonment and fines.”
When asked whether similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in the country and what measures the Postal Department has taken, he said “Both the Finance Ministry and the Postal Department are now fully aware and alert regarding such issues. Similar financial incidents are unlikely to occur again in the future.”
Ctg Post Office
In 2022, two more officials of Chattogram General Post Office (GPO) were fired for embezzling Tk30 crore funds. The two employees – Chattogram GPO Superintendent Nipul Tapas Barua and Assistant Postmaster Saiful Islam Chowdhury – were relieved from duty, reports media.
Chattogram GPO Deputy Postmaster General (DPMG) Md Nizam Uddin said departmental action is being taken against them and the Anti-Corruption Commission is also investigating the matter.
Md Nizam Uddin told The New Nation, “Money embezzlement does occur in the Post Office. Some dishonest individuals are involved in such activities. It is extremely important to ensure transparency and accountability. Repeatedly cross-checking information is essential. A strong drive from the Finance Ministry is needed to mitigate this problem. However, the Post Office has now become digitalized, which makes it easier to ensure consumer security.”
Other embezzlement histories
In 2023, Officials from the Barishal Head Post Office conducted a surprise inspection at the Barishal Medical Sub-Post Office and reportedly found evidence supporting the allegation. A locker belonging to Arm Guard Alauddin Sikder was opened, revealing a customer’s passbook, register, 18 signed withdrawal forms, and other documents. According to the investigation report, the passbook shows deposits totaling Tk 28,50,100. This includes Tk 26 lakh deposited on December 27, 2021, and Tk 2 lakh 50 thousand on December 30 of the same year. However, the official ledger at the post office records only Tk 100 under the customer’s account.
The New Nation also attempted to contact SM Shahab Uddin, Director General of the Bangladesh Post Office, several times but received no response. Additionally, the newspaper reached out to Md. Jashim, the DG’s personal secretary, sent him two relevant questions, informing him that the report was urgent and scheduled for immediate publication. Jashim said he would consult the DG regarding the matter. However, before publishing the report, we tried to reach Jashim by phone on 19 November 2025 but he did not answer.
