Companies won't be closed over owners' graft: FinMin
Amir Khosru says corruption cases will be pursued against individuals, while companies' economic impact must be considered before any closure.
Companies will not be shut down solely because of graft allegations against individuals, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told parliament today (6 September).
"If there are allegations of corruption against an individual, a case can be filed against that person and they will be tried according to the law. But a company's operations cannot be shut down because of an individual," he said.
Khosru made the remarks in response to a supplementary question from Noakhali-6 lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud during the question-and-answer session in parliament over the provision of new loans to S Alam Group, which has been accused of loan default.
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The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal.
The finance minister said individuals and companies are separate legal entities, noting that a company is a legal and corporate entity with employees, loans, liabilities and an economic contribution.
Referring to S Alam Group, he said those accused of corruption were not being spared.
"Cases are being filed against them and the trials will continue. But before shutting down any company, we also have to assess its impact on the country's economy. An economy does not run on emotion. It has to run on law," Khosru added.
He further said Bangladesh Bank was not providing loans to anyone in violation of the law. "Companies eligible for loan rescheduling can avail themselves of the facility in accordance with the law."
Khosru also reiterated that individuals accused of corruption would continue to face trial.
Per capita public debt Tk1,29,239
In response to a question from Kushtia-1 lawmaker Reza Ahmed, Khosru said per capita public debt stood at Tk1,29,239 as of 31 March 2026.
He said the government was focusing on increasing revenue collection, improving public financial management and strengthening debt management to reduce the debt burden on citizens.
The government is also seeking to reduce its reliance on borrowing by increasing domestic revenue, while lowering financing needs through more cost-effective and productive public spending and controlling unnecessary expenditure, he said.
Bangladesh borrowed $81.83 billion from abroad
In response to a question from Cox's Bazar-3 lawmaker Lutfor Rahman, Khosru said Bangladesh had borrowed $81.83 billion from abroad between 2010 and June 2024.
During the same period, the government repaid $17.11 billion in principal and $6.04 billion in interest on its external debt.
