Parliamentary oversight committee opens investigation into loan scams in Sonali, BASIC, Agrani banks

A parliamentary committee has launched an investigation into the loan scams of state-owned Sonali Bank, Agrani Bank and BASIC Bank.

The Standing Committee on Estimates on Thursday formed a four-member panel, headed by Yussuf Abdullah Harun, to conduct the investigation.

The government in a media statement said the other members of the panel were AKM Zahangir Hossain, AB Tajul Islam, and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh.

The panel would submit its report reviewing the loan scams in the three banks within a month, the statement said.

Harun, a former FBCCI chief, told bdnews24.com his panel would also submit recommendations to stop such incidents.

After the Awami League came to power this past January, Bangladesh Bank found irregularities involving around Tk 90 billion in the three banks.

Six companies, including Hall-Mark Group, embezzled around Tk 40 billion from Sonali Bank. 

Sixteen people, including top officials of the Hall-Mark Group and the bank, have been accused in a case filed over the incident.

Irregularities in loans worth around Tk 45 billion and irregularities in BASIC Bank’s appointments and promotions were also found.

Agrani Bank gave Tk 3.5 billion in loan to Moon Group violating rule. Irregularities in approving loans worth several billion taka were also found in Bangladesh Bank investigation.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith recently said in Parliament that the scamsters could not be arrested because of backing by people in ruling Awami League.