The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday approved a charge sheet against 26 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman and former Janata Bank chairman and economist Abul Barakat, in connection with the embezzlement of Tk1,130 crore from Janata Bank.

ACC Director General Akhtar Hossain confirmed the development, saying the accused allegedly approved loans to 22 companies under the Anontex Group by relaxing conditions and relying on falsified documents, despite the borrowers’ ineligibility.

The ACC investigation revealed that Tk531.43 crore was misappropriated in the name of loans, which has now swelled to Tk1,130.18 crore with interest.

Other accused include Anontex Group Chairman Younus Badal, former Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Abu Hena Mohammad Razi, former Executive Director Naushad Ali Chowdhury, and former Janata Bank Director Jamal Uddin Ahmed, among others.

Earlier, on February 22, the ACC had filed a case over the embezzlement of Tk297 crore. Economist Abul Barakat was arrested and placed on remand in connection with the case.

Abul Barakat is a former chairman of the Economics Department at Dhaka University and currently serves as the honorary chief adviser of the Human Development Research Centre (HDRC).