Among the top defaulters, six government entities including food ministry owe Tk113 crore or 30 percent of the defaulted amount to the bank. Food ministry's default loan is Tk15.27 crore.

The bank has so far sued 10 defaulters to realise Tk168 crore, although no case has been filed against the remaining 10 who owe Tk206 crore to the bank.

Sources said the bank recovered Tk3 crore during the last six months, demonstrating a considerable failure in realising bad loans, despite the bank's determined stance on realising such bad debts.

A source, however, said as Rupali Bank is set to be handed over to the Saudi prince, the government has initiated a move to introduce bonds against the loans defaulted by the six government entities.

When contacted, some of the defaulters pointed out that faulty government policies, complexities in holding share of companies and stock disposal have pushed them into being defaulters.

Up to June 30, 2006, the RB's total classified loan reached Tk867 crore, which is 20 per cent of the bank's total outstanding loan.

Of the top 20 defaulters, six government entities -- Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation owes Tk33.12 crore, Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) Tk21.27 crore, Bangladesh Auto Rickshaw Challak Samity Tk18.82 crore, food ministry Tk15.27 crore, Bangladesh Auto Tempo Challak Samity Tk13.75 crore and Metalex Corporation owes Tk10.51 crore to the bank.

Other listed defaulters are Mizan & Sumon Tannery Ltd (Tk47.18 crore), Pubali Tanneries (Tk34.77 crore), Ani Enterprise (Tk24.89 crore), W Rahman Jute Mills Ltd (Tk 23.02 crore), Beautiful Jackets Ltd (Tk19.44 crore), Metropolitan Steel Mills Ltd (Tk17.90 crore), Islam Khan Jute Mills Ltd (Tk17 crore), MB Tannery Ltd (Tk15.30 crore), Aqua Food Ltd (Tk13.46 crore), Maijdee Tannery Ltd (Tk12.27 crore), Dynasty Textiles (Tk10.11 crore), Legacy Footwear Ltd (Tk 9.22 crore), Beximco Computers Ltd (Tk8.89 crore) and Munia Trades (Tk8,02 crore).