State-run commercial and specialised banks waived interest amounting to Tk 1,198.24 crore last year, Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal told the parliament today.

The banks waived the interests against 6,163 loans accounts, the minister said while answering to a question of Awami League lawmaker Haji Mohammad Salim.

According to the minister’s scripted answer that was tabled at the beginning of the day’s proceedings, Agrani Bank Limited waived the highest Tk 494 crore against 2008 loans, Bangladesh Krishi Bank waived Tk 435 crore against 66 loans, Rupali Bank Limited Tk 134 crore against 203 loans, Sonali Bank Limited Tk 73 crore against 14 loans, Janata Bank Limited Tk 54 crore against 2473 loans, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank Tk 4.35 crore against 1380 loans and BASIC Bank Limited waived Tk 1.69 crore against 19 loans.

The minister also said Bangladesh Development Bank did not waive any interests last year.