The High Court made this remark during a hearing regarding unregistered interest trading and deceptive e-commerce companies
The High Court remarked that the government takes steps but after people have already become destitute
The High Court bench comprising Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman and Justice Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain made the remark on Monday while observing the government’s action against the unregistered money lending and fraudulent e-commerce companies including Ehsan Group and Evaly .
The hearing was held on the writ seeking directions for preparing a list of money lenders in the village-level.
Lawyer Sayedul Haque Suman appeared for the writ petition and Deputy Attorney General Noor Us Sadik appeared on behalf of the state.
At one point in the hearing, the court asked, at what point does the government take action? when a customer becomes destitute? The people will never get back the money they invested, even if the criminals go to jail.
“Bangladesh is my home, and my home is unsafe. Why are people looting money from the country and sending it overseas? Whose responsibility is it to stop these?” the Court further asked.
In reply, Deputy Attorney General Noor Us Sadik said: “The government had taken action and had arrested the CEO of Evaly and the Chairman of Ehsan Group.”
The court said the government has a duty to protect the fundamental rights of the people, including the rule of law. Whether or not the government is operating properly will be evaluated.
The High Court later fixed September 27 for the hearing of this case.
On September 7, a writ was filed in the High Court in order to end unregistered money lending in villages and regions across the country.
The writ was filed by Supreme Court Lawyer Sayedul Haque Suman in the public interest.
The writ petition read that in every locality of Bangladesh there are money lending businesses in the name of Shomobay Shomiti (cooperative society). Also, in the name of giving personal loans many are taking high interests from borrowers.
None of these organizations are registered and people are being trapped in these loans and schemes.
