The government has decided refunding Tk3 crore donation of Islami Bank for holding “Lakho Konthe Shonar Bangla” – a chorus of millions to perform the national anthem.
The bank and financial institutions division of the finance ministry announced the decision in a statement on Sunday.
However, the finance ministry statement said if Islami Bank wants to, it can donate money to “ICC Word Tweenty20 Bangladesh 2014” or can donate nowhere.
The move comes following criticism across the country against the government's acceptance of Tk3 crore donation from the pro Jamaat-e-Islami banking institution.
The statement reads: Islami Bank is a legally registered financial institution. It is operating its activities legally in the country.
“The government will not accept the Tk3 crore donation of Islami Bank for the “Lakho Konthe Shonar Bangla” event. Many in the country do not have positive impression about Islami Bank. Previously, many institutions denied taking donations from the bank,” it added.
Earlier, two ministers made contradictory statements on accepting donations from Islami Bank Bangladesh for the funds raised for the national anthem singing event on March 26.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said the government should give back Isalmi Bank’s money while Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor claimed that the government had not taken any kind of aid from the bank “as people’s emotions are involved with the anthem.”
On this year’s Independence Day on March 26, three lakh people will sing the national anthem for the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Bangladesh government is organising the event while the armed forces are coordinating the event.
