Investigations reveal that Shawon, who had lived in Dubai for a long time, lured people with promises of overseas employment. Arzu Ahmed shared that in 2024, he handed over Tk 2 lakh from selling his wife’s jewelry, Tk 1 lakh from selling his brother’s motorcycle, and another Tk 1 lakh from an NGO loan to Shawon. A contract was signed on a Tk 100 non-judicial stamp as proof. However, after receiving the money, Shawon began making excuses and eventually disappeared. Arzu said, “I dreamed of going abroad, but now I’m completely broke. I can’t pay the loan installments, and my family is in chaos. I see no way out except suicide.”
Ashikur Rahman, who works at a motor parts shop on RN Road in Jessore, borrowed Tk 5.2 lakh to pay Shawon for a promised job abroad. He stated, “Before taking the money, Shawon called almost daily, warning that the visa wouldn’t come if I didn’t pay quickly. After getting the money, his behavior changed. He’d avoid calls or make excuses about the visa. One day, I learned he had taken money from others like me and fled.” Ashikur added, “We filed complaints with the police, but no action has been taken. Shawon’s family threatens us when we ask for our money.”
Roni Saha, Shawon’s cousin, said, “I borrowed Tk 1 lakh to give Shawon for a Dubai job. I later found out he took large sums from others and fled. Even as his cousin, I can’t do anything, and now I’m being threatened.”
Further inquiries revealed that Shawon allegedly took Tk 1 lakh from truck driver Md. Mohsin of Chougacha, Tk 5.7 lakh from Sohrab Hossain of Bejpara, Tk 3.92 lakh from Anir in Jessore, Tk 1.25 lakh from Nipun, and Tk 6 lakh from Dhaka businessman Selim.
Attempts to contact Shawon’s wife, Puja Saha, were unsuccessful as her phone was switched off. Shawon’s younger brother, Sabuj Saha, said, “Some people are coming to our house claiming they’re owed money. I don’t know if they’re actually entitled to it. Shawon isn’t home, and I don’t know where he is. We’ll know more when he returns.”
Kotwali Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Abul Hasnat Khan, confirmed, “We have received several complaints about fraud related to job promises in Dubai. The matter is under investigation.”
