TBT DESK: Coal traders across several districts have accused a Bangladeshi-born businessman, Deen Mohammed, of orchestrating a large-scale financial scam worth nearly Tk 100 crore before allegedly relocating permanently to Indonesia. The allegations, made by traders in Dhaka, Pabna, Thakurgaon and Jashore, claim that Deen renounced his Bangladeshi citizenship to evade accountability—an accusation he has not responded to despite repeated attempts.

According to traders who spoke, Deen is said to have restarted his life in Indonesia, where he has reportedly obtained local citizenship. Victims allege that he continues to influence a cross-border network involved in fabricated complaints, financial pressure tactics and social-media smear campaigns targeting Bangladeshi coal importers.

When contacted via an Indonesian mobile number, Deen disconnected the call upon learning a Bangladeshi journalist was seeking comment. Follow-up messages also went unanswered.

Deen, originally from Sommondokati village in Sharsha upazila of Jashore, is accused by traders of operating the network from overseas with assistance from regional associates. The allegations include financial fraud, coercion and the use of anonymous petitions to state bodies.

Victims claim Deen surrendered his passport in late 2023, placing himself beyond the immediate reach of Bangladeshi authorities while continuing financial activities abroad. Documents shared by traders suggest that several Indonesian bank accounts linked to Deen and his Indonesian spouse, Agus Setyaningsih, were used to receive funds through informal channels—claims that could not be independently verified.

Much of the alleged on-ground activity in Bangladesh has been attributed to Md Shah Alam, widely known as Rana Kazi, a man from Pabna’s Nagarbari area. Residents say he has shifted political affiliations over the years, though these claims remain disputed. Traders accuse him of playing a central role in filing petitions with agencies including the Anti-Corruption Commission and National Board of Revenue.

Rana and his associate Md Amanullah reportedly travelled to Indonesia earlier this year. Traders allege that their visit involved discussions about market influence and pressure on coal importers. Upon returning, the pair are said to have operated from a Gulshan office under the name Arian Coal, which traders describe as a front organisation. Neither Rana nor Amanullah responded to phone calls seeking comment.

Officials in regulatory bodies, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed receiving a series of complaints relating to coal traders but would not comment on their merits or origins.

Several traders say they suffered severe financial hardship due to dealings with Deen and his local associates.
Among them was Selim Reza of Al Amin Enterprise in Thakurgaon. His family told this newspaper that he faced acute mental strain after a major shipment failed to arrive following payments made through intermediaries. They attribute his subsequent health decline to the prolonged financial dispute, though no official medical statements were made available.

In Jashore, Afil Trade reported losses after paying Tk 7 crore for coal that was never delivered. The company says it remains embroiled in a Tk 1.5 crore dispute with local agents. In Khulna and Noapara, two importers claim they received substandard coal after opening LCs in 2022, a dispute that later escalated into legal cases.

Separately, Chattogram-based trader Md Nasir, owner of NSN, alleges that Tk 26 crore sent through hundi did not result in any shipment being delivered. These allegations also could not be independently verified.

Some victims allege that Deen, even from abroad, attempted to influence the coal supply system of a Bangladesh–China joint venture power plant by obstructing LCs and intimidating intermediaries. General diaries have reportedly been filed in connection with these disputes.

Three former and current officials of Islami Bank’s Noapara branch have also been named in several accusations made by businessmen. They have not publicly responded, and the bank has taken limited administrative steps, including transfers, while declining to comment on the allegations.

Victims allege that Deen now lives comfortably in Indonesia, claiming to be the CEO of Arian Coal, owner of Arian Cement Mills, and director-CEO of PT Arian Energy Resources. Associates familiar with his operations suggested these may be paper companies used to project legitimacy, though company filings in Indonesia could not be independently examined.

On social media, Deen presents himself as “Haji Deen,” a businessman with global operations. Traders say he uses multiple online platforms to defend himself and discredit critics.

On 2 November, a Dhaka-based businessman filed a general diary with Gulshan Police, alleging that Deen and several associates had threatened him after he refused a business arrangement. A further application was submitted to Islami Bank on 18 November, accusing former and current bank officials of supporting wrongdoing—claims the bank has not addressed publicly.

Victims say their struggle for justice continues, even as the alleged mastermind remains beyond the country’s jurisdiction.

Law-enforcement agencies have not yet announced any formal investigation into the claims.