Rebutting a minister’s claim, the Islami Bank has said it has donated Tk 30 million for the Independence Day event in which thousands are expected to sing the national anthem to set a world record.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu on Tuesday said this event cannot be funded by the organisation, which pro-liberation war forces claim is run by ‘war criminals’ and their money would be returned.
Minutes later, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor claimed they received no money from the bank. Hours after their remarks, the bank said they gave the government Tk 30 million for the programme scheduled on Mar 26. Executive Vice-President Ataur Rahman told bdnews24.com: “Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited Vice-Chairman Engineer Mustafa Anwar on Mar 14 handed over the Tk 30 million cheque to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for that event.”
Rahman said Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith and Prime Minister’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Tawfiq-E-Elahi Chowdhury were also present at the time.
A press release was also issued the following day in this regard, he added.
