CID probes complaint against foreign-invested company

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has launched an investigation into allegations that a foreign-invested company used disputed documents to deny employment-related dues to an expatriate employee.

According to submissions made through legal counsel, the employee’s separation was initially communicated as a termination citing cost-cutting. However, subsequent filings allegedly described the separation as a voluntary resignation.

Court filings further claim that a resignation letter bearing a digital signature was created and used while the employee was outside Bangladesh. Passport and immigration records have reportedly been submitted to support the claim that he was in India at the time.

Documents reviewed suggest that the disputed resignation record was used in official filings, including those linked to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

On 9 August 2025, the company, Poeticgem International Ltd, reportedly offered a settlement of US$151,600, while the employee’s legal submissions place his claim at $917,393, citing 13 years of service, outstanding salary, ESOP-related entitlements, contractual dues and damages.

Meanwhile, Poeticgem International Ltd filed a counter case against the employee with the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, accusing him of misconduct and activities against the company.

Badruzzaman Sumon, senior manager (HRBP) of Poeticgem, alleged in the case that the employee spread propaganda against the company among different buyers using a fake email ID and leaked confidential information, causing Tk135 crore in damages.

Sub-Inspector Harunur Rashid of CID, the investigating officer, said the case filed by the expatriate employee is under investigation.

“Until the investigation is completed, it cannot be said whether the allegations are true,” he said, adding that the probe may take another month to complete.