Non-government organisations (NGOs) in Kurigram are allegedly forcing local flood victims to repay their loan installments, violating the prime minister’s order barring harassment of the loanees. The NGO workers have been visiting their clients at night to give them a remainder about their loan installments, the victims said. When asked, Jatrapur SSS Branch Manager Hasan Ali admitted realising loan installments, but denied forcing anybody in this regard. He said: “We are rather arranging medical assistance for our clients and giving them Tk1,000 as assistance.”Panchgachhi Grameen Bank Branch Manager said they were only collecting their loan installments from them who were willingly repaying the money. About the matter, Kurigram’s Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abu Saleh Md Ferdaus Khan said: “We have already written to all NGOs, asking them to stop realising loan installments until the flood situation improves completely.”The DC said they take measures in this regard, if the PM’s order is violated.

Source: Dhaka Tribune August 27, 2017 21:49 UTC