Staff Reporter :
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday expressed deep concern over Farmers Bank’s failure to refund Tk508 crore to Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF), along with deposits of other clients.
It also called upon the government to ensure transparency and accountability of all the stakeholders involved in managing the funds.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman in a statement said that the failure of Farmers Bank to return deposits after the expiry of the deadline was a matter of grave concern for the entire banking sector.
“If there is further delay in releasing the funds for climate change adaptation activities, it will increase the risk for the region which is not acceptable in any way,” he said.
He also sought for quick intervention to recover the fund.
“There should be an investigation into why the climate fund money was invested in Farmers Bank for making profit, instead of entrusting well-reputed and credible financial institutions. People, including the former board of directors who were involved in the crisis, should be held accountable after proper investigation.
“Customers and organizations are losing their confidence in Farmers Bank every day as they are failing to get their deposits back. It is unacceptable to put the burden of corruption and irregularities of the bank on the customers.”
