Probe body warrants 2 cos’ credit info run by de facto chief PK Haldar

A joint investigation committee comprising Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Bangladesh Bank and Anti-Corruption Commission sought credit history of two companies that were run by de facto chief Prashant Kumar (PK) Haldar.

The Joint Investigation Committee has sought information on loans taken from Mercantile Bank and International Leasing and Financial Services in the name of Rahman Chemicals and Northern Jute Manufacturing under the control of PK Haldar.

At the same time, details of the deposits of the two companies held by Mercantile Bank and International Leasing have also been warranted.

According to BSEC sources, the officer-in-charge of Mercantile Bank and International Leasing has been directed to appear in person before the BSEC office at Agargaon in the capital on Monday.

Two letters to this effect were posted to the Managing Directors of Mercantile Bank and International Leasing respectively, sources said.

The information to be submitted to the Joint Investigation Committee included the details of all loans taken from Mercantile Bank and International Leasing by Rahman Chemicals and Northern Jute (relevant authority decision, approval letter, current status of loan statement etc.) and any other loan related papers and documents.

In addition, details of all deposits, such as FDR, TDR and decision of any deposits by the boards in any form, relevant decision, any deposit of current status or mortgage against accepted deposit etc. maintained by the two companies should also be submitted.

Meanwhile, there are also allegations of share manipulation against PK Haldar for which the BSEC had fined PK Haldar Tk 25 lakh. He allegedly had manipulated shares of Northern Jute Manufacturing Company which was discussed at the 758th meeting of the BSEC on January 20, this year.

Besides, his company Hal Industries was fined Tk 85 lakh and Sandeep Corporation Tk 60 lakh, respectively.

However, as the matter was under investigation, the members of the inquiry committee did not agree to talk about it.