Post Office Aide Accused of Embezzling Millions from Rajbari Customers
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Authorities have launched a sweeping investigation into the Rajbari head post office after an unofficial staff member allegedly embezzled roughly 10 million taka from dozens of unsuspecting customers. Shihab Mridha, who operated as a “letter writer”—an informal, non-revenue role utilized by some post offices to assist with clerical tasks—has vanished, sparking protests among victims demanding the recovery of their life savings.
The scale of the fraud is estimated to involve at least 60 victims, many of whom were directed to Mridha by post office staff when attempting to open fixed-term savings accounts. According to victim testimony, Mridha collected cash from customers and provided them with handwritten slips, promising that formal savings books would be issued at a later date. Instead, the funds were never deposited into government accounts.
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For many, the loss represents years of financial hardship. Nasrin Akter, a local housewife, reported losing 200,000 taka, while Khokon Sheikh, a laborer, revealed that he had deposited a similar amount under his wife’s name, only to be repeatedly told by staff that his passbook was not yet ready. Another victim, shopkeeper Pranab Saha, said he was told his deposit was delayed due to server issues, only to realize later that the transaction never occurred.
In response to the growing public outcry, the postal department has initiated two separate investigations. On July 16, the Postmaster General for the Khulna southern region formed a four-member committee, chaired by the Additional Postmaster General, to probe the incident. Simultaneously, the Kushtia divisional office has established its own investigative team.
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Post office inspectors acknowledge that the lapse in oversight is significant. Mohammad Shahidul Islam, an inspector with the Kushtia divisional committee, stated that staff members on duty during these transactions cannot evade responsibility for the security breach. Officials are currently working to trace the missing funds, though the whereabouts of the accused remain unknown.
Mridha’s family claims he left home a week ago under the pretense of going to work and has not returned. His mobile phone remains disconnected. Meanwhile, the Rajbari chapter of the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has formally petitioned the district’s deputy commissioner and police superintendent, calling for a thorough investigation, the prosecution of all involved parties, and full restitution for the affected families.
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