ACC summons Westmont Power chairman, Rupali Bank MD over loan scam

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) summoned on Monday chairman of Westmont Power (Bangladesh) Limited and managing director (MD) of Rupali Bank for interrogation in connection with a loan scam.

ACC deputy director Mir Zainul Abedin Shebly sent separate notices to former general manger of Janata Bank (now managing director of Rupali Bank) M Farid Uddin and chairman of Westmont Power (Bangladesh) Limited Kazi Tajul Islam Faruque.

"The duo has to be present at the ACC head office at 11:00 am on December 22," said Mr Shebly.

ACC sources said the Westmont Power (Bangladesh) Limited took a loan of Tk 790 million (US$ 12.96 million) from Janata Bank local office in 2002 to import machinery. But the company did not import any machinery and siphoned off the money abroad, ACC sources added.

On April 12, 2011, the ACC filed a case against the Westmont Power (Bangladesh) Limited and its chairman Kazi Tajul Islam, former first assistant general manager Rafiqul Haque Chowdhury and five foreign nationals.

Kazi Tajul Islam Faruque had filed a case against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after 1/11 political changeover for allegedly extorting Tk 50 million.

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