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Allegation against GB has no basis, says Akbar Ali

. Staff Reporter
Former adviser to the caretaker government Dr Akbar Ali Khan said the government should not interfere in the activities of Grameen Bank (GB), rather leave the matter to its 8.5 million members who are the owners of 97 per cent of its share.
"There is no basis about the allegations raised against the Grameen Bank. Those are now raising allegations and putting blame on GB for taking excessive interest; in fact they are tarnishing the image of its 8.5 million members as well as the general people of the country," he said while addressing a meeting at National Press Club in the city on Thursday.
Terming Dr. Yunus and Grameen Bank as the prides of Bangladesh, he said it seems that the government is intentionally taking some steps to destroy GB.
Dr Akbar said, "I don't see any problem in economic condition of the bank. However, someone may have difference in political belief with Yunus. But, why the poor shareholders of GB will bear its cost while the poor members have done no wrong?"
The bank should not be destroyed, he said, adding that Dr. Yunus is an asset of Bangladesh and the government is losing international support by harassing him.
Grameen Bank Rakkha and Durjon Protirodh Committee organised the meeting to register their protest against the government's latest move against GB. 
Presided over by former secretary and ambassador M Munir-u Zaman, the meeting was addressed, among others, by DU teacher Dr Asif Nazrul, director of SIDA Salma Khan and directors of GB Tahsina and Rozina Begum.