BNP Leader Accused of Embezzling Insurance Compensation for Deceased Garment Worker

In Sreepur, Gazipur, a local BNP leader, Noss Mia, and his associate Asad Mia have been accused of embezzling Tk 80,000 from the death benefit insurance paid to the husband of deceased female garment worker Taslima Khatun (40).

Further allegations suggest that the victim is being threatened and intimidated for an additional Tk 20,000. Fearing for his safety, the husband, Azizul Islam, has been spending nights away from home, leaving behind his three children. With no other recourse, he has turned to local journalists for help. He made these allegations to reporters on Friday (22 August) afternoon at his residence.

Azizul Islam is a resident of Baheerarchala in Sreepur Municipality and the son of Shahed Ali. His late wife, Taslima Khatun, was the daughter of Afaz Uddin from the same area. They have two daughters and a son. Taslima was employed as a printing assistant at Lantabur Apparels Ltd, a garment factory in Sreepur.

The accused, Noss Mia, is the General Secretary of Ward No. 9 BNP in Sreepur Municipality. His associate, Asad Mia, supplies bricks and sand to the same factory.

According to Azizul, his wife joined Lantabur Apparels in July 2019. On 4 April 2024, she fell ill while working at the factory and passed away early the next morning at home due to a stroke. Subsequently, the Labour Welfare Trust disbursed Tk 197,000 in death benefit insurance into three separate bank accounts set up for their children.

Azizul claimed that Asad and Noss Mia helped him access this money but demanded Tk 100,000 in return. He withdrew Tk 60,000 from one of his son’s accounts and gave it to Asad Mia. Later, Asad allegedly began pressuring him for the remaining Tk 40,000. At one point, Noss Mia summoned Azizul to his office, intimidated him, and instructed him to pay Asad an additional Tk 20,000. Azizul complied and handed over the amount.

He further alleged that they even threatened physical assault over the money. “If I give them all the money, how will I manage with my three children who have lost their mother? I was planning to buy an auto-rickshaw with that money to support my family. Because of threats from BNP leaders, I have to flee my home at night,” Azizul said.

Responding to the allegations, Noss Mia stated that he had heard Asad planned to take half of the compensation money. He confirmed that Azizul had already paid Asad Tk 60,000 and was under pressure to pay an additional Tk 40,000. However, he denied taking any money himself. He admitted calling both parties to his office and advising Azizul to pay Tk 20,000 to resolve the matter. Noss Mia insisted he had not made any agreement or held any prior discussions on the matter.