Dhaka, Oct 20 (V7N) — The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against 26 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman and economist Dr. Abul Barakat, in connection with the embezzlement of Tk 1,130 crore from Janata Bank in the name of loans issued to the Enantex Group.

The approval came on Monday (October 20) following a detailed investigation by the ACC.

According to the chargesheet, 22 companies under the Enantex Group were granted large loans from Janata Bank despite failing to meet eligibility criteria. The loans were allegedly approved using forged and fabricated documents, with unusually relaxed conditions that enabled massive financial irregularities.

The investigation found that Tk 531.43 crore was initially misappropriated in the name of loans, which, after adding interest and penalties, now stands at Tk 1,130.18 crore.

Besides Atiur Rahman and Abul Barakat, the list of accused includes Enantex Group Chairman Yunus Badal, former Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Abu Hena Mohammad Razi, former Executive Director Nowshad Ali Chowdhury, and former Janata Bank Director Jamal Uddin Ahmed, among others — bringing the total number of accused to 26 individuals.

Earlier this year, on February 22, the ACC filed the original case against several officials for allegedly embezzling Tk 297 crore through fraudulent loan approvals. Economist Dr. Abul Barakat was arrested and placed on remand following the initial investigation.

An ACC spokesperson said that the commission will soon submit the chargesheet to the court for further legal proceedings, aiming to ensure accountability in one of the largest banking scams in recent years.

END/SMA/AJ