ACC to include two members for extensive investigation

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to include two members for extensive investigation into the allegation of swindling of about Tk 13 billion from 14 commercial banks and financial institutions by Ananda Shipyard and Slipways Limited (ASSL), a ship builder and exporter.
ACC deputy director Zainal Abedin Shibly confirmed the matter to the FE. He, however, said he has not yet received any official letter from the ACC.
He has been investigating the loan scam single-handedly since April last.
"The scam is very widespread and I alone cannot complete the investigation," he said adding that the ACC decided to reform the committee for further inquiry responding to his plea to include more members.
According to the graft allegation received by the ACC, Ananda Shipyard took loans of Tk 13 billion from 14 commercial banks and financial institutions showing fake documents.
The ACC deputy director told the FE: "We are conducting investigation about Tk 13 billion, but according to our primary inquiry, the amount could be Tk 14 billion or more and the swindling is widespread."  
"So we need more extensive investigation into the scam," he said.
According to allegation, the banks disbursed the loans violating banking rules where the ship exporter had no experience to build ships.
The Bangladesh Bank in its inspections also found such irregularities in disbursing loans of the banks and financial institutions.
On September 17 last, the ACC interrogated the chairman and a director of Ananda Shipyard in connection with an alleged loan scam.
According to ACC sources, Ananda Shipyard took loan of Tk 4.56 billion from Islami Bank while about Tk 1.87 billion from Arab-Bangladesh Bank Limited, Tk 2.21 billion from Mercantile Bank, Tk 1.14 billion from One Bank, Tk 2.38 billion from Janata Bank, Tk 240 million from Bangladesh Development Bank Limited and Tk 151 million from NCC Bank.
It also took loans of Tk 19 million from Bangladesh Industrial Finance Company (BIFCL), Tk 231.8 million from Phoenix Finance and Development Limited, Tk 117.5 million from Fareast Finance and Development Limited, Tk 37 million from IDLC, Tk 30 million from Housing Finance and Investment Limited, Tk 40 million from Hajj Finance Company Limited and Tk 30 million from Premier Leasing and Finance Limited.
Zainal Abedin Shibly said he has been able to interrogate only the ASSL chairman and a director over the allegation.
"After getting the official letter, the committee will start new investigation into the case," he added.

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