Reports circulating on social media and several unregistered online portals claiming that Shawkat Ali Chowdhury, Chairman of Eastern Bank Limited (EBL) and a leading industrialist, has been detained by the Detective Branch (DB) are entirely false and baseless, Chowdhury has confirmed.
A review of the reports reveals that none cited any official source, case number, or statement from relevant law enforcement authorities. Moreover, no formal announcement has been issued by any government or police agency regarding such an incident.
Speaking to The Daily Arthoneeti, Shawkat Ali Chowdhury categorically denied the claims, stating that he has neither been arrested nor detained by any law enforcement agency.
“There is absolutely no truth to the reports claiming that I have been arrested or detained. These are completely fabricated rumours, deliberately spread with the intention of damaging my personal and professional reputation,” he said.
Widely known as “Disco Shawkat,” Chowdhury has largely remained outside controversy throughout his personal and professional life. There have been no allegations or scandals involving bank loans, financial misconduct, or irregularities linked to his business ventures. A respected businessman from Chattogram, he enjoys a strong reputation both locally and nationally.
Shawkat Ali Chowdhury has repeatedly topped the list of the country’s highest taxpayers, as declared by the National Board of Revenue (NBR). He is a director and partner of Finlay Properties and also serves as a director of Eastern Bank Limited.
Media analysts and professionals stress that reporting arrests or serious allegations against individuals—particularly corporate leaders—requires rigorous verification. Publishing such claims without credible sources or official confirmation not only harms individual reputations but also misleads the public and undermines journalistic integrity.
Chowdhury further alleged that certain unregistered online portals are spreading fabricated and misleading information through social media platforms, creating deliberate misinformation. He warned that legal action against those responsible would be initiated very soon.
Sources also noted that Shawkat Ali Chowdhury has made significant investments in shipbreaking yards and several other business sectors and is widely recognised as one of the country’s top taxpayers.
FP/MI
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