B Mirror Report : The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned 18 directors of Janata Bank, including two former chairmen Mahfuzur Rahman and Abul Barkat for interrogation to investigate allegations of embezzlement of Tk 25 billion in bank loans through irregularities and corruption, and misappropriation of Tk 21.8 billion in income tax.

Recently, the ACC’s investigation team issued separate letters from its headquarters to the Managing Director of Janata Bank in this regard. A senior ACC source confirmed the information on Saturday (January 17). According to the summons, the individuals have been called in for questioning on January 18 and January 20.

Those summoned for January 18 are: former chairman Dr. Abul Barkat; directors Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Nazibul Islam Dipu, A. M. Debnath, Syed Bazlul Karim, Professor Mohammad Moinuddin, Md. Abu Naser, Sangita Ahmed, Nitai Chandra Nag, A. K. M. Kamrul Islam, and director Md. Mahbubur Rahman Hiron.

Those summoned for January 20 are: former chairman S. M. Mahfuzur Rahman; directors Ajit Kumar Pal, Meshkat Ahmed Chowdhury, K. M. Shamsul Alam, Muhammad Asadullah, Md. Zia Uddin Ahmed, and Md. Helal Uddin.

Among those summoned, former Janata Bank PLC chairman and economist Dr. Abul Barkat was arrested from Dhanmondi on July 11 in a case involving the embezzlement of Tk 29.7 billion. After completing remand, he is currently in jail. It is learned that the ACC team will interrogate him at the jail gate.

Allegations of corruption and irregularities have also been brought against Shamima Atikullah Khan, chairperson of Globe Janakantha Industrial Family Limited, along with other top officials. The ACC is also investigating allegations of their acquisition of illegal wealth. According to various sources, the industrial group had loans with Sonali Bank, which Janata Bank purchased in 2012 while they were in regular status. Subsequently, new loans were disbursed. The group is reportedly accused of defaulting on nearly Tk 80 billion in loans.