Govt giving special privilege to infamous loan defaulters: LDA

Police yesterday obstructed a procession of Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) -- demanding and end to corruption in banking sector of the country -- in front of GPO in Gulistan.

At least 50 leaders and activists of the alliance held a rally in front of Jatiya Press Club and then brought out the procession towards finance ministry, but could not reach there due to police obstruction.   

Activists demanded putting an end to corruption and looting in banks and the financial sector. They also spoke out against enabling loan defaulters in the name of rescheduling and giving them unfair advantages.

Speaking at the rally, Hamidul Haque, convener of Bangladesher Samajtantrik Anodolon, alleged that the Awami League-led government is giving special privileges to infamous loan defaulters, as the party assumed power using “black money from those people”.

“Former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir looted a huge amount of money through Farmers Bank Limited that was later closed due to loan scam, and now an influential group backed by the government has restarted it with the name Padma Bank,” he claimed.

He alleged that the prime minister is patronising loan defaulters and a so-called industrialist by making him an MP from her party. “Finance ministry is going to waive the loans to facilitate such businessmen,” Hamidul added. 

Bacchu Bhuiyan, a representative from Ganasamhati Andolon, said destitute farmers in villages are facing trials due to cases filed against them for failing to pay paltry loans, but it is astounding that the government is trying to save these “corrupt businessman” by waiving their loans.

Saiful Haque, general secretary of Bangladesher Biplobi Workers Party, said the government is preserving the interests of only the five percent people of the country who are corrupt, as they do not need the masses any more. “This country is not for the masses, as they have no right to vote.” 

He urged the government to take stern action against those involved in loan scams. “Otherwise, corruption will severely hamper the country’s development,” Saiful said.

Among others, Bangladesher Communist Party (CPB) general secretary Shah Alam, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal central leader Bazlur Rashid Firoz and Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal (Marxbadi-Leninbadi) central unit leader Manosh Nandi also spoke at the rally.