Written by The Banking Post
A special government panel tasked with recovering defaulted loans has settled more than 300 cases worth nearly Tk 20 billion in the past seven months, officials confirmed Thursday.
Formed on January 30 as part of post-uprising financial reforms, the committee has so far held 32 meetings, working through a backlog of troubled loans from banks and financial institutions. It is now preparing to wrap up its operations this month after Bangladesh Bank issued new guidelines for loan rescheduling.
The panel has reviewed over 1,300 applications, including 65 from major corporates with unpaid loans ranging from Tk 500 million to Tk 80 billion. Big names such as Gazi Group, Abdul Monem Group, Aman Feed, EnergyPack, Beximco Group, Desh Bandhu Group, Zahintex Industries, and HKG Steel are among those seeking fresh repayment facilities.
Committee members said settlements were tailored on a case-to-case basis, offering options such as final rescheduling opportunities with strict repayment guarantees, extended payment timelines, or interest waivers tied to business exit plans.
“Some borrowers have already rescheduled loans multiple times, while others shut down after heavy losses. We’ve recommended different solutions depending on the situation,” said one member.
The committee has asked applicants—particularly large corporates—to submit audited revenue and repayment plans, warning that no settlement will be approved without verification by reputed international auditors.
Officials stressed that while hundreds of smaller firms benefitted, many larger businesses are still under review. The drive, they said, is aimed at curbing years of unchecked lending and recovering long-stalled credits that continue to burden the banking system.
