The state-owned Janata Bank extended a loan of Tk 225 crore to the Globe Janakantha Group, recommended by a private industry advisor, after a letter citing previous damages caused by the BNP-Jamaat government. Currently, the group’s defaulted loan has exceeded Tk 800 crore, with Janata Bank’s own assessments indicating significant risks associated with further lending.
The group’s financial troubles were highlighted by an audit, which warned that new loans could incur losses of Tk 393 crore. Previously, Janata Bank had waived Tk 267 crore in interest for the group. Following the death of its chairman in March 2021, the group continued to struggle with repayment, leading to the dismissal of the bank’s managing director recently. Despite concerns from bank officials regarding the group’s ability to repay, the board approved the loan in 2021, and the Bangladesh Bank previously criticized the lack of due diligence in approving loans.