ZCZC
JS-51
REFORMS-FINANCIAL SECTOR
Govt to increase capitals of banks gradually
DHAKA, June 13, 2019 (BSS) – The government is planning to implement a
number of reform initiatives in the financial sector including to increase
gradually the authorized and paid up capitals of banks.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal revealed this while placing the
proposed national budget for FY20 in parliament today.
He said the government has initiated and implemented various activities
for the reform and development of banking, capital market, insurance and
other financial sectors.
About the reform initiatives, Kamal said the Bank Company Act would be
amended so that the bank management, all components of revenue management
(VAT, Customs and Income Tax) can function as usual, without facing any
conflict with other laws.
“Bank Company Act will be amended so that amalgamation, merger and
absorption of banks can be legally processed, if required,” he said adding
that stern measures would be taken against the willful defaulters of bank
loans.
The Finance Minister said the government has been working to bring down
the interest rates of bank loans to single digits with a view to making the
industries and businesses more competitive.
“Necessary amendments will be brought to the Bank Company Act to
modernize the functions of holding companies and subsidiary companies,” he
said.
Kamal said the government did not observe any mentionable reform
initiative in some areas, especially in the banking sector from the beginning
as there was no exit route for the loan recipient if he or she fails to repay
the bank loan.
“This time around, we have arranged an exit for the loan recipient
through effective insolvency and bankruptcy laws. We have heard for long
about establishing a Bank Commission for bringing discipline in the banking
and financial sector. We would discuss with all concerned in this matter and
do the needful,” he said.
The Finance Minister said the government observed that, no mentionable
instruments were used in the financial sector and this has led banks to give
long term loans by collecting short term deposits.
“This creates a mismatch. It may turn out to be critical sometimes. We
will take necessary measures to remove such kind of mismatch. We will
encourage instruments like Wage Earners’ Bond, venture capital, treasury bond
including a vibrant bond market.” he said.
BSS/ASG/GM/BZC/1935HRS