Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has filed a defamation lawsuit against one of its customers, seeking Tk 200 crore in compensation.

The case was filed with the First Joint District Judge Court of Dhaka on March 4 this year, said the private bank in a statement by the end of last week.

The court has taken cognizance of the matter and issued a summons against the defendant, Md Murtoza Ali, it added. 

According to EBL, Murtoza Ali, a customer of its Chandgaon Branch in Chattogram, submitted a petition to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in Chattogram with "malicious intent."

The petition accused the bank's board of directors, its managing director, and 46 senior officials of embezzling Tk 11 crore.

Following the petition, several media outlets published reports on the matter, which EBL claims, created confusion among its customers and tarnished its reputation.

Terming the allegations baseless, EBL stated that the defamation case against Murtoza Ali was filed to protect its goodwill and ensure accountability.

"Eastern Bank PLC is one of the most compliant banks in the country and remains committed to safeguarding its customers' interests as well as its reputation," the bank said in a statement.

No comments were immediately available from Murtoza Ali regarding the lawsuit.