Notice served to five shop tenants to vacate; three months passed without possession returned—allegations raised at press conference.
The management of Bogura Co-operative Bank Limited, located at Satmatha in the heart of Bogura city, has undertaken an initiative to evict tenants from the shop spaces of its century-old heritage building to construct a modern multi-storey building named 'Samabaya Tower'. To this end, notices were served to five shop tenants for violating lease agreement terms, instructing them to vacate the shops. However, despite the expiry of the deadline, they have failed to hand over possession, alleged H S Maftun Ahmed Khan Rubel, the current President of the bank.
Speaking at a written press conference held at the Bogura Press Club on Wednesday, he stated that Bogura Co-operative Bank Limited originally began its journey at the residence of Nawab Altab Ali Chowdhury with the goal of achieving economic emancipation for the marginalized people and general public of Bogura. The institution was registered in 1914, and after being acquired by the government in 1928, the bank building was established at Satmatha. Carrying a century of tradition, the institution currently owns assets worth nearly BDT 100 crore.
In his written statement, the Bank President mentioned that in 1992, a party filed a lawsuit in court claiming ownership of the bank’s Satmatha building. Allegations arose at the time that ownership was claimed using forged documents. Although the management committee of that period submitted necessary documents and evidence to the court, the lawsuit remained pending for a long time. Later, initiatives were taken to contest the case on behalf of the bank. After assuming the role of President of the Board of Directors on November 29, 2005, he personally funded legal representation to fight the case. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of the bank, he said.
He further added that during his tenure, besides safeguarding the bank’s assets, initiatives were taken to repay nearly BDT 78 lakh in outstanding loans previously taken from Bangladesh Co-operative Bank Limited, Dhaka, thereby revitalizing the institution’s financial condition. Until 2011, he continued working to resolve various challenges faced by the bank.
In his statement, he alleged that several shop tenants of the bank building have been running their businesses arbitrarily for a long time without paying regular rent or renewing lease agreements. Due to their actions, the bank faced financial losses. In particular, some tenants collaborated with a certain faction to engage in activities detrimental to the bank’s interests. Consequently, officers and employees of the bank faced difficulties even in receiving their salaries and allowances.
The current President stated that after August 5, 2024, due to the absence of the then-president, he assumed the role of President for the third time by fulfilling all bank conditions. Subsequently, at a meeting of the bank's management committee, the decision was made to demolish the old building at Satmatha and construct a modern, visually appealing multi-storey building. The proposed building has been named 'Samabaya Tower'. Plans are in place to facilitate trade and sales of products produced by local co-operators, as well as to conduct various organizational activities there.
He mentioned that the Department of Co-operatives requested information regarding the current condition of the bank building's shops and the financial benefits derived from them. Subsequently, an investigation report by the District Co-operative Officer revealed that the ground-floor shops were rented out at extremely low rates. The report also noted that several tenants were occupying the spaces without proper rent agreements.
According to the President, in consultation with the Department of Co-operatives and the Ministry of Co-operatives, notices were issued to five shop tenants on June 25, 2026 (Memo No. 29(05)) for violating Terms 8 and 9 of the lease agreement. The notice granted a three-month period instructing them to vacate by September 25. However, even after the specified time elapsed, the tenants have not handed over possession nor made formal contact with the bank authority.
At the press conference, H S Maftun Ahmed Khan Rubel also informed that he was elected President of the bank for the fourth time through an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on October 29, 2026. The new board aims to resolve overall issues of the bank and work toward safeguarding its assets.
He stated that in the broader interest of co-operators, the local administration, police administration, co-operators, and the general citizens of Bogura are being informed prior to taking necessary steps to reclaim the bank’s shop spaces quickly. He sought cooperation from all stakeholders in this regard.
He further added that if the bank’s prime property at Satmatha can be freed from illegal occupation to construct a modern and aesthetically pleasing 'Samabaya Tower', the long-cherished dream of the district's co-operators will be realized. Additionally, it will enhance the financial capability of the institution and open new economic prospects for co-operators. The Bank President expressed hope for sincere cooperation from all concerned parties to implement this initiative.
