Partex Group chairman fails to turn up at ACC

Partex Group chairman MA Hashem on Tuesday did not appear at the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) to face its interrogation showing health grounds.

Partex Group general manager Anisur Rahman put forward a plea before the ACC seeking time for the Group chairman to face its interrogation in connection with an allegation of swindling out Tk 150 crore from Sonali Bank. 

Last week, the national anti-graft body sent letters, signed by its inquiry officer Joynul Abedin Shibly, to MA Hashem and his two sons asking them to be present at the ACC head office today.

Talking to reporters in front of the ACC head office, Partex Group general manager Anisur Rahman said MA Hashem could not present at the ACC head office as he is currently undergoing treatment in Singapore. 

Asked why his two sons did not appear at the ACC today, he said Partex Sugar Mills Limited managing director Showkat Aziz and its director Rubel Aziz did not get the ACC letters.

According to the graft allegation received by the ACC, Partex Sugar Mills Limited, a sister concern of Partex Group, opened two letters of credit (LCs) of 150 crore at Bangabandhu Avenue Branch of Sonali Bank in 2011 to import unrefined sugar.

The company imported 30,000 tonnes of unrefined sugar against the LCs and sold it in the local market, but did not repay the bank money.