The High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna seeking a directive to remove his name from the loan defaulter list.
On Wednesday, a High Court bench comprised of Justice Md Bazlur Rahman and Justice Md Manzur Alam passed the order. Consequently, lawyers stated that Manna will not be able to contest in the 13th National Parliament election as long as this order remains in effect.
Ahsanul Karim presented arguments on behalf of Manna in court. Deputy Attorney General Shafiqur Rahman represented the state. Shafiqur Rahman told journalists, “Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna had filed a writ in the High Court seeking removal of his name from the Bangladesh Bank’s loan defaulter list. The court has dismissed the writ petition. As a result, he cannot participate in the election.”
On 10 December, the Bogura Baragola branch of Islami Bank issued a call-back notice to Afaku Cold Storage Limited. The notice, signed by branch manager Touhid Reza, was sent to the addresses of the organisation’s chairman, Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and managing director ABM Nazmul Kadir Shahjahan Chowdhury.
Manna owns 50 percent of Afaku Cold Storage, managing director ABM Nazmul Kadir Shahjahan Chowdhury owns 25 percent, and his wife and director Ismat Ara Laizu owns 25 percent. The notice sent on 3 December instructed the organisation, located at Kichak Bazar in Shibganj, Bogura, to repay a total defaulted investment amount of Tk38.04 crore.
The notice also mentioned that the bank would be compelled to take legal action if the entire outstanding amount was not cleared by 18 December.
