Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned 26 officials of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL), including its managing director and chief executive officer, by mid-November over allegation of irregularities in BDT 13 billion loans taken by Ananda Shipyard.

The ACC on Thursday served notices upon the bank officials asking them to be present at the ACC head office on November 12, 13 and 16 next.

ACC Deputy Director Zainal Abedin Shibly issued the notice, local media reported quoting sources.
According to reports,  the ACC will interrogate 9 officials of IBBL Karwan Bazar Branch on November 12. On November 13, the commission will quiz 13 officials of IBBL including its Managing Director Abdul Mannan. And on November 16, the anti-graft body will grill 4 officials.

Recently, ACC included two more members for extensive investigation into the allegation centring about BDT 13 billion loans taken from 14 commercial banks and financial institutions by Ananda Shipyard and Slipways Limited (ASSL), a ship builder and exporter.

On September 17 last, the ACC interrogated the chairman and a director of Ananda Shipyard in connection with an allegation.
Meanwhile, the IBBL refuted the alleged irregularities relating to its investment in the ASSL.

Some 12 banks and financial institutions, including the IBBL made the investment, taking the company’s reputation and prospect of the country’s ship-building industry into consideration, the IBBL said in a statement.

Besides, necessary banking rules and regulations were followed accordingly in respect of such investments, it said.

“The matter (regarding investment) is now under investigation by the central bank,” the statement said, mentioning that the IBBL was making necessary provisioning against its investment in line with the Bangladesh Bank’s instructions. “Apart from that, necessary collateral has also been taken from the company against the investment.”

So, there is no scope to have irregularities relating to such investments, it added.

BBN/SSR/AD-07Nov14-12:50 pm (BST)