The government yesterday said it would not take the Tk3 crore donation from Islami Bank for “Lakho Konthe Shonar Bangla” event on Independence Day upon reservation of the cultural affairs ministry.
When contacted, Ataur Sarkar, executive vice-president of Islami Bank and also public relations officer, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We have already informed the government authorities concerned to use the donated Tk3 crore in other suitable sectors of the country.”
The Bank and Financial Intuitions Division of the finance ministry in a statement said the government recently urged the private businesses to willingly contribute in two big events – ICC World Twenty20 and “Lakho Konthe Shonar Bangla” (national anthem by millions) – for which the government needs Tk90 crore.
Many organisations responded to the call and the prime minister received the cheques in presence of senior ministers including Finance Minister AMA Muhith.
“But after assessing the donations, we came to know that Islami Bank gave Tk3 crore for the Lakho Konthe Shonar Bangla event. But as the cultural affairs ministry refuted to accept the money, we have decided not to accept it,” said the statement signed by Joint Secretary Arjit Chowdhury.
“Islami Bank can decide to give the money for the T20 World Cup. It is a registered financial institution and has been conducting business in line with the law. Some [people] do not have positive perception about it while some organisations earlier refused to accept its money.
“We want to say unequivocally that the donation by Islami Bank for Lakho Konthe Shonar Bangla event is not being accepted,” the statement adds.
A week ago, Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor denied receiving any donation from Islami Bank for the event. While many in the country are enthusiastic about setting a new world record, many others criticised the government for receiving donation from Islami Bank on the ground that some of its top brass had allegedly been involved in war crimes during the country’s 1971 Liberation War.
Arranged by the cultural affairs ministry and the Armed Forces Division, the event will be held on March 26 at 11am at the National Parade Square where around 3 lakh people are expected to sing the national anthem in chorus.
