Former Somoy TV MD faces trial in fraud case

A Dhaka court has ordered the trial of former Somoy TV managing director Ahmed Zubair in a case filed over alleged fraud and misappropriation of Tk 2.33 crore from the television channel.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman framed charges against Zubair on Thursday after rejecting his discharge petition. The court fixed November 10 for recording prosecution testimony.

Zubair's lawyer Saleh Uddin also sought bail for his client, but the court rejected the petition. His bail plea in another fraud and forgery case was also rejected by Metropolitan Magistrate Ishrat Jahan.

According to the case documents, Zubair allegedly withdrew Tk 2.33 crore from Somoy TV's funds without authorisation while serving as its managing director. After he was removed from the post, he was asked to return the money and two company vehicles but allegedly refused.

A senior Somoy TV manager, Syed Asaduzzaman, filed the case on May 5, 2025. The Police Bureau of Investigation later submitted its investigation report to the court.

In a separate case filed over alleged fraud, breach of trust and forgery, Zubair and five others "including his wife, daughter and son" were accused. Zubair has remained in jail since June 18 after surrendering before the court.

His lawyer claimed the cases were filed out of retaliation amid an ongoing dispute over the ownership and management of Somoy Media Ltd.

-MAL/HIS