Nurjahan Group owner barred from leaving country

The Money Loan Court in Chattogram has barred Nurjahan Group owner Zahir Ahammed from leaving the country in a case filed in connection with defaulted loans of Tk 118.5 crore.

A ruling was issued on Wednesday against Ahammed, also the managing director of M/S Ahammed Traders, a concern of Nurjahan Group, based on the case filed by the Khatunganj branch of National Bank Ltd on January 22, 2020.

Justice Mujahidur Rahman of the court issued the ruling in response to an appeal.

Ahammed also serves as the managing director of Jasmir Super Oil Ltd, another concern of the group.

Five cases have been lodged against Nurjahan Group so far for defaulting on loans worth around Tk 400 crore with different banks.

"The appeal was made out of fear that the accused would flee the country without settling the dues," said Jamal Uddin Ahmed, manager of the Khatunganj branch of National Bank.

"The accused has been in hiding for a long time and we fear that he too may flee as his wife and children already live in Canada."

Zahir Ahammed could not be reached for comments.