Ex-Janata Bank chief Barkat questions Muhith's honesty

Former Janata Bank chairman Abul Barkat has questioned Finance Minister AMA Muhith's honesty accusing him of nepotism and lobbying in a scathing attack.

Reacting to Muhith's criticism, the Dhaka University teacher called him a "liar".

The two have been going at each other over a statement at a programme on Monday when Barkat retired as the state-run bank's chairman.

Barkat said the finance minister closed the bank's CSR (corporate social responsibility) as he had ignored Muhith's lobbying.

The minister in response retorted that the Janata Bank chairman was making such comments "out of grief" as his tenure was not extended.

Barkat claimed there had been no irregularities in the CSR and invited Muhith to investigate.

He faced reporters when unveiling a book of the bank on Wednesday in Dhaka and flayed Muhith.

According to him, the finance minister is not loyal to the ideals of the Awami League or the nation’s founder Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Instead, Muhith believes in the doctrine of the World Bank and the IMF.

The former Janata chief questioned Muhith's role in Bangladesh's Liberation War and claimed his role during the past caretaker government was "controversial".

"Mr Muhith looks down upon the people. He hasn't learned how to respect others.

"That's why he uses words like 'rubbish'," alleged Barkat.

About Muhith's 'nepotism', Barkat claimed the finance minister "is influenced by elitist regionality" and lobbied for the people of his locality.

Barkat alleged Muhith had put his "inefficient" relatives on important government posts "violating the Constitution".

"I think, he misuses power ... The finance minister commits intellectual forgery and lies without hesitation. He's expert in lying," claimed the former Janata Bank chairman.

He was the government-run bank's chairman for two terms from 2009.

Muhith had said there was no reason for anyone to hope he would remain chairman of a bank's board for eternity.

He said there were "intellectual giants" among Awami League supporters who deserved to be given an opportunity.

Barkat shot back saying he took over the Janata Bank at the order of the prime minister and not of the finance minister.

He said a "vindictive" Muhith did not know what he was saying.

Muhith had clarified that the government was shutting down the bank's CSR as it was not up to the standard and was financially hampering the bank.

The former Janata Bank chief said the book -- five years of social responsibilities 2009-13 -- was published to present the bank's CSR activities to the people.

Muhith said he did not fully know what the Janata Bank was doing with its CSR.

"We submit a detailed report to him at the beginning of the year. What can I say if he (Muhith) says such things?

"He said the bank's board was responsible for the bank's downslide... The finance minister has lied.

"He should apologise to the Janata Bank after learning the truth," said Prof Barkat.