In a rare gesture, Bashundhara Group, the country’s largest business conglomerate, has paid back the default borrowings of 37 farmers of Pabna.
Earlier, the largest corporate body of the country secured release of 12 farmers who were imprisoned for defaulting on loans.
The whole amount of dues including capital and interest was paid back at a programme at the daily Kaler Kantho auditorium at Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Imdadul Haq Milan said “I feel happy to stand by the farmers. Bashundhara Group has paid back the whole amount of defaulted borrowings of the poor farmers.”
Lauding Bashundhara Group Managing Director for magnanimity, he said “Shortly after taking over as editor-in-chief of the Kaler Kantho, I was shocked at a report on imprisonment of 12 farmers for loan default. I informed Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir of the incident. I sought for his permission and support to pay back the loans. In response, the Managing Director asked me to take immediate step in this regard.”
Shuvo Sangha, social organisation of Bashundhara Group's reputed Bengali daily Kaler Kantho, played vital role in resolving the crisis, he said.
Talking to journalists, bank’s acting manager Jharna Prova Devi said “I have received all dues worth Tk 14,15,713 in default loans and costs of case filed by the bank. I will take immediate step to withdraw the case.”
For failure of the farmers to pay back the loan within stipulated time, the bank at its board meeting decided to file case.
“In 2021, the bank issued legal notice upon the farmers. However, we do not know the development afterwards and issuance of warrant. We are sorry for it. We thank the Bashundhara Group for standing by the poor farmers,” she said.
On November 23, Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Pabna issued warrant against the 37 farmers in the case and police arrested 12 farmers two days later. The farmers were produced before the court and sent to jail. Later, Bashundhara Group secured their release by extending legal supports.
