A few officials in Janata Bank, Baghabari branch in Shahzadpur upazila of Sirajganj district have been involved in illegally lending bank money for short periods to a section of local influential businessmen for personal gain.

During an Inspection on Monday, a team of Janata Bank high officials led by Abdar Hossain, DGM of Pabna regional office, and Sakhawat Hossain, AGM of Sirajganj main branch, found the allegation true.

At that time the inspection team found shortage ofTk 16.59 lakh at the bank vault.

When contacted, Abdar Hossain and Sakhawat I lossain said a few officials of Janata Bank, Baghabari branch including the manager and two cashiers are mainly responsible for such irregularities.

Official action will be taken against the responsible persons as soon as possi-

ble. they said.

Earlier the higher authorities received allegations that a few officials of Baghabari branch of Janata Bank had been engaged in illegally lending different amounts of bank money for a short period to some local influential businessmen in exchange for a quick buck for long, sources said.

The money is generally handed over to the businessmen at dawn and returned at dusk.

On the other hand, the manager and the two cashiers said the bank fund fell short as they issued three pay orders of Tk 16.59 lakh without receiving money from clients on the date of inspection by high officials.

During this correspondent's visit to the Baghabari branch of Janata Bank yesterday, several clients of the bank said the manager and his associates realised bribe from them on different occasions for opening account, drawing loan and even for receiving cheque books.