'If there's proof Bangladesh's economy is worse than our neighbours, come to me'

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal today told the parliament that he does not know who are laundering money abroad and called upon the opposition MPs to provide him the list of money launderers. 

"I don't launder money abroad. I believe you (MPs) also don't launder money. How would I know who are laundering money if you don't provide me the list?" -- he wondered while responding to opposition MPs' blistering attack over failure in stopping money laundering. 

The finance minister claimed that the amount of defaulted loans is the lowest since the creation of the country.

"In 2006, the amount of defaulted loans was 13.15 percent. The amount of defaulted loan as of this September is Tk 1 lakh 1 thousand 150 crore which is 8.12 percent -- the lowest," he said.

The heated debate took place during passage of a bill titled, "The Bankers' Book Evidence Bill-2021".

While participating in the discussion on the bill, several opposition MPs alleged that thousands of crores of taka were laundered abroad from the country.

They also said the amount of defaulted loan has exceeded taka one lakh crore.

The opposition MPs demanded answer from the finance minister and demanded formation of a banking commission to look into these matters.

At the beginning, the finance minister was criticised by the MPs as he remained silent on these issues.

Later, the finance minister spoke.

The minister said the main driving force of a country's economy is its banking sector.

"We are doing well when the world economy is in turmoil. If you have any proof that Bangladesh's economy is lagging behind our neighbouring countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia, then in that case you come to me," he said.

The Finance Minister said, "The way you are speaking, it seems that there is no economy in the country, there is no banking sector in the country, there is nothing in the country. But if there is nothing, how are we improving? How is our growth coming without these?" 

The finance minister said the number of banks has increased, customers have increased, deposits have increased. Every bank is making profit. 

He said lawsuits were filed against those who committed irregularities with loans. The number of ongoing cases is 2.43 lakh.

Regarding various irregularities in e-commerce, the finance minister said action is being taken against them.