Ananta Jalil defaults Tk407cr to two banks

Popular Bangladeshi actor and businessman MA Jalil Ananta has defaulted on loans worth around Tk407 crore from two private banks, with Mutual Trust Bank (MTB) issuing a legal notice over a dishonoured cheque worth Tk92.29 crore.

MTB has outstanding dues of Tk267 crore from Ananta Jalil and his company AB Apparels. The bank issued the legal notice to Ananta Jalil and his wife, Khadiza Parvin (Barsha), after a cheque issued to repay part of the loan was dishonoured due to insufficient funds.

According to the notice, MTB rescheduled AB Apparels' loan of Tk267.22 crore on August 28, 2024, allowing repayment in instalments. However, the company failed to meet the repayment conditions.

On October 18, Ananta Jalil signed a cheque for Tk92.29 crore to repay part of the outstanding loan. The cheque was deposited through MTB's Bogura branch on November 2 but was dishonoured due to insufficient funds.

The bank has asked the borrowers to clear the outstanding dues within 30 days of receiving the notice, warning of legal action if they fail to comply.

MTB Managing Director Syed Mahbubur Rahman told that the bank had initiated legal proceedings to recover the defaulted loan. He added that Ananta Jalil had promised to repay the dues by selling his factory in Savar and had informed the bank that he was in talks with several potential buyers.

Meanwhile, Mercantile Bank is also seeking to recover around Tk140 crore, including interest, from Ananta Jalil and is considering legal action, according to a bank official.

-AH