Give me a list of launderers
Says finance minister after being slammed by opposition MPs
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal yesterday told parliament that he does not know who are laundering money abroad and called upon opposition MPs to provide him a list of money launderers.
"I don't launder money abroad. I believe you [MPs] don't as well. How will I know who are laundering money, if you don't provide me with a list?" he asked after opposition MPs slammed him for failing to stop money laundering.
The minister claimed that the amount of defaulted loans is the lowest since the country's birth.
In 2006, the percentage of defaulted loans stood at 13.15 percent. As of September, it is 8.12 percent, which is the lowest, he said.
The heated debate took place during the passing of 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 loans has exceeded Tk 1 lakh crore.
The opposition MPs demanded answers from Kamal and formation of a banking commission to look into these matters.
At the beginning, the minister was criticised by the MPs, as he remained silent on these issues, but later on, Kamal started talking.
About the banking sector, 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 neighboring country, South Asia and Southeast Asia, then you come to me. I will give you the solution," he said.
Kamal 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 are we growing without these?"
He said the number of banks, customers and deposits have increased. Every bank is making profit.
He mentioned that lawsuits were filed against those who committed irregularities with loans. The number of ongoing cases is 2.43 lakh.
Regarding various irregularities centring e-commerce, the minister said action is being taken.