DHAKA: Some 60 percent of the total defaulted loans of four state-run banks have been given to 200 top organizations in the country.

Bangladesh Bank (BB), the central bank, sent a report mentioning the matter to finance ministry’s Bank and Financial Institutions Division.

The bank termed the 200 organizations as the highest loan defaulters.

The report highlighted the names and loan amounts of the top 50 organizations that defaulted loans from Agrani, Janata, Rupali and Sonali banks.

The total amount of the defaulted loans from the four banks was estimated at Tk 19,717 crore.

Among them, Agrani Bank provided Tk 3,895 crore, Janata Bank Tk 3,527 crore, Rupali Bank 1,746 crore and Sonali Bank Tk 10,549 crore.

Former caretaker government advisor and also an economist Akbar Ali Khan said despite knowing the loan to be defaulted the bank authorities gave loan to the weak organizations supported by some political leaders.

Former BB governor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the appointments in banks’ directorial board under political consideration should be stopped and the central bank has to make tougher rules through the amendment of the current act.

BB deputy governor Abu Mohammad Razi Hasan said the banks as well as the finance and law ministries will work jointly to settle the case of embezzlement.

BDST: 1812 HRS, OCT 5, 2014