TIB slams media coverage of Beximco loan rescheduling statement
Dr Iftekharauzzaman termed the media’s role in misleading TIB’s stance as “disappointing”
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has termed the media coverage of its chairperson praising Beximco Group's contributions to the national economy as "confusing."
The anti-corruption non-profit organisation issued a statement in this regard on Tuesday, sticking to its previous stance against the loan rescheduling facility given to Beximco by Bangladesh Bank, and urged the central bank to discard the appeal.
On September 21, some newspapers and TV channels reported that TIB had praised Beximco, claiming it to be "a leading organization in the private sector" and its contributions to the economy as "undeniable."
Sultana Kamal, chairperson of the TIB board of trustees expressed this view in a letter addressed to Beximco Chairman Sohail F Rahman, the organization said in a statement.
Earlier on September 13, TIB had criticized the central bank for giving in to Beximco's demand for rescheduling their default loans, in response to which the Beximco chairman wrote a rejoinder to Sultana Kamal.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman, TIB executive director, said the statement appreciated Beximco Group like other business institutions that have contributed to the economy of Bangladesh.
He termed the media's role in misleading TIB's stance as "disappointing."
In addition to appreciating its contribution, the statement also expressed expectations that as a leading organization in the private sector, Beximco's business model and practice will be exemplary for other small and large private sector organizations, in terms of establishing integrity in the sector.
TIB urged Bangladesh Bank not to be weak before Beximco and play their expected role as an institution committed to public service.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman added: "TIB's letter also reiterated that its objective was not to insinuate anybody, but rather to take a stance against unlawful activities.
"TIB believes criticizing Bangladesh Bank and demanding effective measures fell within the moral duties of the institution as the central bank took a suicidal step by rescheduling loans of a specific institution while disregarding its own regulations," the statement read.
The executive director reiterated the need for forming an independent commission to assess possible ways of recovering from the banking sector's crisis created by rescheduling default loans.