Pabna, May 08 (V7N) – The managing director of a Pabna-based NGO, Meghna MCCS Limited, Abdul Qayyum, and his wife are accused of defrauding at least 250 clients of approximately 75 million Bangladeshi Taka (around $690,000 USD) through savings and Deposit Pension Scheme (DPS) accounts. The couple has reportedly been absconding for the past three months, and their office remains locked, leaving numerous impoverished women in distress and uncertainty.

On Wednesday afternoon, a group of affected women organized a human chain in front of the Pabna Press Club on Abdul Hamid Road, demanding a fair trial, the arrest of the accused, and the return of their invested money.

The victims recounted that Abdul Qayyum established Meghna MCCS Limited in Dilapur, Pabna city, in 2011. He served as the managing director, while his wife, Ranjana Khatun, held the position of chairman. They employed several female field workers who recruited vulnerable women in villages by promising to double their savings and offering attractive DPS schemes.

Over time, many trusting women invested their hard-earned savings in the NGO. However, about three months ago, when several customers sought the return of their money, including dividends, after their 5-year DPS terms matured, Qayyum allegedly began to make excuses for non-payment. He eventually disappeared along with all the invested funds.

The victims claim that Qayyum and his wife have fled with approximately 75 million taka belonging to around 250 clients. Despite promises of payment, no one received their dues before the couple vanished and their office was locked. Their mobile phones have also been unreachable. The distraught women are now desperately seeking the return of their life savings and are urging the authorities to arrest Qayyum and his wife and bring them to justice.

Afsana Khatun, a victim who deposited 2.3 million taka, lamented, "The fraudster Qayyum has fled with my deposited money. His phone is off, and the office is locked. We can't find him anywhere. I am now lost, wondering how I will ever get my money back."

Sultana Khatun, a field worker for the NGO who helped mobilize about 8 million taka in deposits, is now facing pressure from the defrauded clients. "As a field worker, I convinced many women to save in this NGO. Now that the owner has cheated and run away, these customers are coming to my house, demanding their money. I am devastated, not knowing how I will repay such a large sum," she cried.

Another field worker, Nipa Akhter, who facilitated deposits of around 4 million taka, echoed the sentiment, stating, "I worked hard to convince these women to invest. Now that Qayyum has disappeared with his wife, I am left to face the anger and desperation of these people. We need the administration's help."

Rehena Khatun, who deposited 360,000 taka for her daughters' marriages, is also among the victims seeking the return of her original investment. Moyna Khatun, who invested 1.5 million taka for four family members, questioned how they would recover their funds now that the "fraudster has fled."

On Wednesday afternoon, the Meghna MCCS Limited head office in Dilapur, Pabna city, was found locked. Attempts to contact Abdul Qayyum and Ranjana Khatun via their mobile phones were unsuccessful as the phones were switched off.

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Pabna Sadar Police Station, Abdus Salam, stated that no formal complaint had been filed with the police. He assured that if a complaint is received, legal action will be taken following an investigation.

END/SRP/RH