Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Sunday said individuals accused of corruption must face legal action, but companies in which they hold interests should be allowed to continue their operations.
Responding to a question from NCP lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud in Parliament, Khosru clarified that while the government is actively pursuing legal proceedings against corrupt individuals, corporate activities must be kept separate.
“At the same time, you have to keep the company separate and allow its activities to continue, whatever company it may be,” the finance minister said.
Khosru emphasised that economic management cannot be driven by emotion, but must instead be guided by established laws and principles. He explained that there is a strict legal separation between a company and the individuals who own or manage it.
“Economy cannot run on emotion. The economy has to run on law,” he remarked, adding that a company is a distinct legal and corporate entity.
Khosru warned that shutting down a company due to the alleged wrongdoing of an individual carries severe economic repercussions, particularly for employees, creditors, and other stakeholders.
He noted that businesses employ people, have liabilities, must repay loans, and contribute directly to the national economy.
According to the minister, no economy can function properly if business entities are closed without evaluating the impact on employment and broader economic activity.
However, Khosru made it clear that separating a corporate entity from individual wrongdoing does not mean granting immunity to corrupt owners or associated individuals.
“Those involved in corruption are not being spared. Cases are being filed against each of them and those cases will continue. They will face trial for their personal corruption,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of bank loans, Khosru affirmed that Bangladesh Bank is not providing loans to anyone in violation of the law. He added that companies are only permitted to access loan rescheduling facilities where allowed under existing laws and regulations.
“Where there is an opportunity for rescheduling, they are being allowed to reschedule,” Khosru said, noting that companies which qualify under the law will do so, while those that do not will not.
