SANGSAD BHABAN, June 18, (V7N) — Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament today that no current member of the Jatiya Sangsad can be described as a loan defaulter, as Bangladesh’s election laws clearly bar such individuals from contesting elections or receiving party nominations.
He emphasized that under the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and other relevant laws, loan defaulters are disqualified from participating in elections. “Those MPs who are here are not loan defaulters,” he said, stressing that due respect should be shown to the Parliament and its members.
The minister clarified that being indebted or having outstanding loans is not the same as being a loan defaulter. “A person may have loans or financial liabilities arising from business activities, but that is not the same as being a loan defaulter,” he explained.
Responding to allegations that some loan defaulters had received nominations, Salahuddin Ahmed said such claims misinterpret the law. He noted that while some candidates may have faced bank litigation or private disputes, many of those cases were resolved through the judicial process.
He added that once the High Court or Appellate Division declares a candidate valid, that person can no longer be regarded as a loan defaulter.
The minister questioned why elected representatives continue to be described as loan defaulters despite being chosen by the people. He stressed that the distinction between a borrower and a defaulter must be made clear in the public interest.
He reiterated that the election process itself ensures that no loan defaulter can enter Parliament, as nomination and election automatically confirm compliance with the law.
By underlining the difference between borrowers and defaulters, Salahuddin Ahmed sought to dispel confusion and reaffirm the integrity of the electoral system.
His remarks highlighted the government’s position that Parliament is composed of legally qualified representatives, free from disqualification under election laws.
