Rejoinder_2026-02-02

The National Housing Finance PLC on Sunday issued a rejoinder to a news item, titled "Lenders Stare at Tk 6.46b Loss after Bank Merger" and published in the February 01 issue of the FE, wherein it has been stated that National Housing Finance, along with four other banks, is exposed to losses exceeding Tk 6.46 billion.
The National Housing has clarified that the "information published about it is incomplete and misleading. The borrower concerned had availed credit facilities prior to 2015 against lien of some sound and readily marketable securities, of which 10,000 shares of Exim Bank PLC formed a minor portion of total collateral. As of date, the net outstanding loan amount is below Tk 6.00 lakh, whereas the market value of the charged
securities (excluding Exim Bank shares) exceeds Tk 12.00 lakh. Accordingly, the exposure remains fully secured and National Housing Finance is not expected to incur any financial losses for liquidation of Exim Bank".
"It may further be noted that the borrower has unfortunately expired. Following his demise, the matters relating to the issuance of a succession certificate and other statutory compliances are under process. We are proceeding strictly in accordance with prevailing laws, regulations, and standard banking practices", the rejoinder said.
"The report appears to suggest that the loan was sanctioned solely against shares of a bank that has since been liquidated, which is not fully correct and creates an erroneous impression regarding the security position and financial exposure of the institution", the rejoinder added.