Interactive Cares CEO Rare Al Samir was detained at the airport

Rare Al Samir, founder and CEO of Dhaka-based edtech startup Interactive Cares, has been detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while attempting to leave the country.

Authorities, including the officer-in-charge of Adabor Police Station and immigration police, confirmed the detention following allegations of embezzlement and money laundering.

Investors have accused Al Samir of failing to repay invested funds and not distributing promised profits. They also claim he had become increasingly unreachable in recent times.

According to multiple investors, the total outstanding amount may exceed Tk 10 crore. Businessman and investor Sadman Hossain said, “He has taken money from many people, but now no one can reach him. There has been no repayment or profit sharing.”

Several current and former employees of the company also alleged that salaries have remained unpaid for months, prompting some to consider legal action.

However, Al Samir denied all allegations, stating, “The claims are not true. There is no money laundering. Everyone will receive their money within one or two months.”

Founded in 2020 by Rare Al Samir and Jamila Bupasha Khushbu, Interactive Cares grew rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering career-focused online courses, including digital marketing, web development, and language training.

The company also adopted a crowdfunding-style investment model, attracting individual investors with promised returns.

In 2023, the startup secured $100,000 in funding from Accelerating Asia, becoming the only Bangladeshi startup selected in that cohort.

Authorities are currently investigating the matter.