DHAKA: Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Tuesday claimed that taking or giving bribe is not illegal and the developed countries also legalized it and called it ‘speed money’.

The finance minister made the observation while addressing program of signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Bank (BB) held at Jahangir Alam Hall at BB.

He said, “In my opinion, if someone gives something as gift to speed up the work is not illegal. The developed countries also legalized the system and they called it speed money as it spurs the work.”

The minister commented that a culture of unpaid the dues has been established in our country after the liberation year. Those who does not pay the due we call them loan defaulter.

At present, the rate of loan defaulters in our country is 10/11 percent, which is reducing day by day, he added.

But, the rate reduced to eight percent it would be better for the country.

However, Muhith said to keep in mind that loan defaulting threats the people’s dignity.

Muhith also admitted that he gave bribe for the driving license 40 years ago. But, he has not agreed to call it illegal.

BDST: 2135 HRS, NOV 11, 2014