Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today reaffirmed the government’s firm stance against those responsible for looting the country’s banking sector and siphoning off public money abroad, saying the incumbent government would continue legal action until the offenders are brought to justice.
Government's Firm Stance
Replying to supplementary questions from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2) during the question-answer session in the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said the government had already initiated extensive legal proceedings against the individuals and business groups involved in large-scale loan scams and financial irregularities.
"I have informed this House on several occasions about the measures being taken. Many cases have already been filed, investigations are progressing, and the process of attaching and confiscating the properties of a number of accused persons is already underway," he told Parliament.
Ongoing Legal Actions
The finance minister stressed that the government’s campaign against financial crimes would continue without interruption. "Those who looted the country’s money and smuggled it abroad will receive no compromise from the BNP. This government will not compromise with anyone involved in such offences, and this process will continue," he said.
Addressing Non-Performing Loans
In her supplementary question, Rumeen Farhana expressed concern over the mounting volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) in state-owned commercial banks, including Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Agrani Bank, Rupali Bank and BASIC Bank. She sought to know what measures the government was taking against major loan defaulters and those responsible for weakening the country’s banking system.
In response, Khosru reiterated that the government had already explained in Parliament the legal, administrative and investigative measures being taken against the loan defaulters and would continue to pursue those who had embezzled public money.
Ruling Out Political Interference
Replying to another supplementary question raised by NCP lawmaker Atiqur Rahman Mujahid (Kurigram-2) regarding the Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB), the finance minister categorically ruled out any possibility of political interference in the banking sector. "There is no scope for BNP men to grab control of any bank under this government," he said adding that the government had adopted a conscious policy of keeping the country’s banking and financial institutions free from political appointments.
"We are not making any political appointments to any bank or financial institution. It is a conscious decision of the BNP government. There is neither any intention nor any opportunity to do so," he said.
Comprehensive Assessment and Reforms
The minister acknowledged that several banks were facing governance and operational challenges because of problems accumulated over the years. He said the government was carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the boards of directors, management and overall operations of the troubled banks.
"An extensive analysis of the management, boards and operational structures of those banks is underway. Once the assessment is completed, the necessary reforms and changes will be visible," he added.
