Assignment On Company Law
Assignment On Company Law
INDEX
Companies Act 1994------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 -
Company Definition--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 -
Essential features of a company----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 -
Private Limited Company-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 -
Public Limited Company------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 -
Memorandum of Association:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 -
Purpose of Memorandum-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 -
Importance of Memorandum----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 -
Clauses of Memorandum----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 -
Registered Office Clause---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 -
Prospectus of a Company--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 -
Prospectus----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 16 -
Contents of Prospectus:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 -
Statement in Lieu of Prospectus----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 -
General Meetings 1994------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18 -
PRELIMINARY----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 -
1.Short title and commencement--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 -
2. Definitions of Repugnant in the subject:----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 -
PART-II----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 -
CONSTITUTION AND INCORPORATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23 -
PART III---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29 -
SHARE CAPITAL, REGISTRATION OF UNLIMITED COMPANY AS LIMITED AND UNLIMITED
LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29 -
PART IV--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 39 -
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39 -
MANAGING AGENT----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49 -
CONTRACTS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53 -
Prospectus----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 54 -
PART V---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 61 -
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 -
Office and Name (Continued)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 -
PART VI--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 91 -
WINDING UP-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 91 -
PART VII----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - 119 -
REGISTRATION OFFICE AND FEES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 119 -
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Part-V of the act provides details of the mode and methods of winding up, liabilities of company
directors, owners of the shares and their successors, procedures and options of winding up, ordinary
and extraordinary power of courts to be involved in the winding up process, appointment of official
liquidator and their powers and duties, settlement of debts of companies and transfer and distribution
of assets and liabilities. Part-VI deals in matters relating to the registered office/s of companies;
appointment of registrar/s by the government; their powers and responsibilities, payment of
registration fees and submission of returns and documents to registrar by the companies. Part-VII
interprets the rules of application of the act to companies formed and registered under former
Companies Acts. Part-VIII identifies and defines the companies capable of being registered, the
various aspects required for registration and the power to substitute memorandum and articles for
deed of settlement, etc.
The main concern of Part-IX of the act is the procedure for winding up of unregistered companies.
This part explains the meaning of unregistered companies; procedure for their winding up; power to
stay or restrain proceedings; suits stayed on winding up order; directions as to property in certain
cases; and the status of provisions of this part cumulative. The contents of Part-X include the
requirements for establishing foreign companies in Bangladesh, rules for regulating them,
preparation, maintenance, audit and submission of their accounts to the host country regulators;
notice for closure of foreign companies in Bangladesh; and restrictions on sales and offer for sale of
shares. Finally, Part-XI is supplemental and relates legal proceedings, offences, etc. The subject
matters elaborated in it are cognisance of offences, application of fines, power to require limited
company to give security for costs, and penalty for wrongful withholding of property.
The Companies Act has twelve schedules. The following is a list of them along with the section
numbers: Regulation for management of a company limited by shares (sections 2, 17, 18, 86, 367);
table of fees to be paid to the registrar (sections 348, 363); particulars of prospectus and reports
incorporated in it (section 135); statement in lieu of prospectus (section 141); memorandum and
articles of associations of the various types of companies; summary of share capital and lists of
shareholders/directors in accordance with Part One of the Companies Act 1994 (section 36);
specimen of company balance sheets and instruction for profit and loss accounts (section 185); and
statements to be published by bank and insurance companies, deposits/provident/welfare associations
(section 192). [Abul Kalam Azad]
The essential elements of company law are the concepts of the company as a separate legal entity,
irrespective of the closeness of the shareholders, investor protection, management of a company and
the modes of winding up, and accounts and securities trading.
Artificial personality an incorporated company has an artificial personality distinct from its
members. Corporate personality became an attribute of the normal joint stock company at a
comparatively late stage, and it was not until the celebrated case of Salmon vs Salmon (1897) that
the English House of Lords held that a company which was composed of seven members, all of them
belonging to a family of husband, wife and children, was in the eyes of the law a different
personality from its members so that a debenture created and issued in favour of the master of the
house by the company would be a valid transaction. The courts, however, made exceptions to this
rule of a separate personality of a company, especially in the fields of tax and fraud. But this
principle still holds good and the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the case of Rujab Ali
vs Mokarram Hossain (1977) held, while reconfirming that a company is a separate personality, that
a shareholder has no direct interest in the property of a company.
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Investor protection and accounts The concept of investor protection encompasses the notion that a
company must have its accounts audited and place them at least once before the annual general
meeting of shareholders (Section 183 of the Companies Act 1994). The Act further provides that the
company shall furnish the information’s that the balance sheet and the audited accounts of the
company contain.
Management of a company A company is managed by its board of directors. The powers of the
board are generally contained in the articles of association of the company, and where the powers are
given to the board the general meeting has no authority to interfere in the management. The general
body of shareholders has ultimate control in a sense that they may remove the board and replace
them by a body of persons after their liking, but until then the board is the supreme managing body.
The functions of the general meeting are generally confined to amending the memorandum and
articles of association of the company, passing the annual balance sheets and the audited accounts of
the company, electing directors in place of those who retire at the general meeting etc.
Management of a company A company is managed by its board of directors. The powers of the
board are generally contained in the articles of association of the company, and where the powers are
given to the board the general meeting has no authority to interfere in the management. The general
body of shareholders has ultimate control in a sense that they may remove the board and replace
them by a body of persons after their liking, but until then the board is the supreme managing body.
The functions of the general meeting are generally confined to amending the memorandum and
articles of association of the company, passing the annual balance sheets and the audited accounts of
the company, electing directors in place of those who retire at the general meeting etc.
Winding up A company may be wound up either voluntarily or compulsorily by the court. Usually,
the Company Bench of the High Court Division is crowded with petitioners who seek to wind up a
company either on the ground that it is unable to pay back debts (Taka five thousand remaining
unpaid for three weeks in spite of a notice to pay) or that it is just and equitable that the company
should be wound up became of a deadlock in the management, fraud and oppression etc of
shareholders.
Jurisdiction The High Court Division exercises special statutory jurisdiction to try matters under the
Companies Act. Under Section 3 of the Companies Act, an application relating to the company
should be made to the original side of the High Court Division. The case of Morshed C.J and Abu
Sayeed Chowdhury of Dacca Jute Mills Ltd vs Satish Chandra Bank and others (1967) are decided
by way of special statutory jurisdiction conferred upon the Court by the Act itself. However, in the
case of Md. Shamsuzzaman Khan vs MS Islam (1976) it was held that Section 3 of the Companies
Act only gives certain jurisdiction to the High Court for resolution of the disputes under the
Companies Act.
Securities laws the laws relate to shares and debentures traded in the stock exchanges. There are two
stock exchanges in the country, in Dhaka and Chittagong. The Securities and Exchange Commission
created under the Securities and Exchange Commission Act of 1993 is entrusted with the task of
ensuring proper issuance of shares and debentures to protect the interests of investors in securities
and to promote the development of, and to regulate, the capital and securities market.
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Company Definition
The term company is used to describe an association of a number of people, formed for some
common purpose and registered according to the law relating to companies. Section 3(1)(i) of the
companies’ act, 1994 states that a company means, A Company formed and registered under this
actor an existing company.
Lord justice Lindley defines a company as follows: By a company is meant an association of many
people who contribute money or money’s worth to a common stock and employ it for a common
purpose. The common stock so contributed is denoted in money and is the capital of the company.
The people who contribute it or to whom it belongs are member. The proportion of capital to which
each member is entitled is his share
Company is a voluntary association of persons formed for the purpose of doing business having a
distinct name and limited liability. It is a juristic person having a separate legal entity distinct from
the members who constitute it, capable of rights and duties of its own and endowed with the potential
of perpetual succession. The Companies Act, 1956, states that ‘company’ includes company formed
and registered under the Act or an existing company i.e., a company formed or registered under any
of the previous company laws.
However, company is not a citizen so as to claim fundamental rights granted to citizens.
A voluntary association formed and organized to carry on a business. Types of companies include
sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability, corporation, and public limited company.
A legal entity, allowed by legislation, which permits a group of people, as shareholders, to apply to
the government for an independent organization to be created, which can then focus on pursuing set
objectives, and empowered with legal rights which are usually only reserved for individuals, such as
to sue and be sued, own property, hire employees or loan and borrow money.
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The shareholder of a company can transfers its share and ordinarily the transferee becomes a member
of the company.
12. Statutory Obligations
A company is required to comply with various statutory obligations regarding management, e.g.,
filing balance sheets, maintaining proper account books and registers etc.
13. Not a Citizen
A company is an artificial person, not a natural person. Therefore, a company is not a citizen,
although it may have a Domicile
14. Residence
A company has a residence (for taxation and other purpose). A company does not possess any
fundamental rights.
15. Social Objective
The present view as regard the legal nature of Company Law is that the Company is a social
institution having duties and responsibilities toward the community, its workers, the national
economy and progress.
16. Centrally Administrated
The administration of company Law is entrusted to the Central Government.
Types of company
There are two types of companies –
1. Private Limited Company
2. Public Limited Company
Private Limited Company
Section 3(1) (iii) defines a private company as one which: -
(a) has a minimum paid-up share capital of Rs.1 Lakh or such higher capital as may be prescribed;
and
(b) by its Articles Association:
1. restricts the right of transfer of its share; limits the number of its members to 50 which will
not include: -
members who are employees of the company; and
members who are ex-employees of the company and were members while in such
employment and who have continued to be members after ceasing to be employees;
prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for any shares or debentures of the
company; and
Prohibits any invitation or acceptance of deposits from persons other than its members,
directors or their relatives.
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This goes to say that a private company, in addition to the earlier conditions, shall have a minimum
paid-up share capital of Rupees One Lakh or such higher capital as may be prescribed and its
Articles shall prohibit invitation or acceptance of deposits from persons other than its members,
directors or their relatives. In case of such companies, public interest is not involved.
The basic characteristics of a private company in terms of section 3(1)(iii) of the Act do not get
altered just because it is a subsidiary of a public company in view of the fiction in terms of section
3(1)(iv)(c) of the Act that it is a public company. Maybe it is a public company in relation to other
provisions of the Act but not with reference to its basic characteristics. In terms of that section, a
company is a private company when its articles restrict the right of transfer of shares, restrict its
membership to 50 (other than employee’s shareholders) and prohibits invitation to public to
subscribe to its shares. Therefore, all the provisions in the articles to maintain the basic
characteristics of a private company in terms of that section is restriction on the right to transfer and
the same will apply even if a private company is a subsidiary of a public company.
Public Limited Company
The standard legal designation of a company which has offered shares to the general public and has
limited liability. A Public Limited Company’s stock can be acquired by anyone and holders are only
limited to potentially lose the amount paid for the shares. It is a legal form more commonly used in
the U.K. Two or more people are required to form such a company, assuming it has a lawful purpose.
A company whose securities are traded on a stock exchange and can be bought and sold by anyone.
Public companies are strictly regulated, and are required by law to publish their complete and true
financial position so that investors can determine the true worth of its stock (shares). Also called
publicly held company. Public limited company and its abbreviation Plc are commonly used in the
UK in the way that corporation and Inc. is used in the United States.
The Company defined under section 3(1)(iv) of the Companies Act, 1956 is a public company
which-
1. is not a private company;
2. has a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 5 lakhs or such higher capital as may be prescribed;
3. is a private company but subsidiary of a public company.
Memorandum of Association:
The Memorandum of Association is the constitution of the company and provides the foundation on
which its structure is built. It is the principal document of the company and no company can be
registered without the memorandum of association. It defines the scope of the company’s activities
as well as its relation with the outside world.
According to Lord Macmillan, “The purpose of the memorandum is to enable the shareholder,
creditors and those who deal with the company to know what is permitted range of enterprise.”
In the words of Charles Worth, “the memorandum of association is the company’s charter and
defines the limitations of its powers. Its purpose is to enable shareholders; creditors and those who
deal with the company, to know what its permitted range of enterprise is. It is the document which
informs all persons dealing with the company, what the company is formed to do. How capital will it
raise its nationality is? It regulates the company’s external affairs, while the articles of association
regulate its internal affairs.” This is an exhaustive definition which explains the nature and scope of
memorandum.
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Company Law
Section 2 (28) of the Companies Act defines a memorandum as “the memorandum of association of
a company as originally framed or as altered from time to time in pursuance of any previous
Company Law or of this Act.” The contents of the memorandum are explained in Section B of the
Act.
Purpose of Memorandum
The main purpose of the memorandum is to explain the scope of activities of the company. The
prospective shareholders know the areas where company will invest their money and the risk, they
are taking in investing the money. The outsiders will understand the limits of the working of the
company and their dealings with it should remain within the prescribed scope.
Importance of Memorandum
Memorandum is the fundamental document of a company which contain conditions upon which the
company is incorporated. This document is important for the following reasons.
Memorandum defines the limitations on the powers of the company established under the
Act.
The whole structure of the company is built upon memorandum.
It explains the scope of activities of the company. The investment knows where their money
will be spent and outsiders also know the nature of activities the company is authorized to
take up.
It is a basic document of the company with regard to its constitution
It is a charter of the company which sets out its written goals.
Clauses of Memorandum
The memorandum of association contains the following clauses:
The Name Clause
A company being a separate legal entity must have a name. A company may select any name which
does not resemble the name of any other company and it should not contain the words like king,
queen, emperor, government bodies and the names of world bodies like UNO, WHO, World Bank
etc. The name should not be objectionable in the opinion of the government. The word ‘limited’ must
be used at the end of the name of a Public and ‘Private Limited’ is used by a Private Company. These
words are used to ensure that all persons dealing with the company should know that the liability of
its members is limited. The name of the company must be painted outside every place where
business of the company is carried on.
If the company has a name which is undesirable or resembles the name of any other existing
company, this name can be changed by passing an ordinary resolution.
Registered Office Clause
Every company should have a registered office, the address of which should be communicated to the
Registrar of Companies. This helps the Registrar to have correspondence with the company. The
place of registered office can be intimated to the Registrar within 30 days of incorporation or
commencement of business, whichever is earlier.
A company can shift its registered office from one play to another n the same town with intimation to
the Register. But if the company wants to shift its registered office from one town to another town in
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the same state, a special resolution is required to be passed. If the office is to be shifted from one
state to another state it involves alteration in the memorandum.
Object Clause
This is one of the important clauses of the Memorandum of Association. It determines the rights and
powers of the company and also defines its sphere of activities. The object clause should decide
carefully because it is difficult to alter this clause later on. No activity can be taken up by the
company which is not mentioned in the object clause Moreover, the investors i.e., shareholders will
not be mentioned in the object clause. Moreover, the investors i.e., shareholders will know the sphere
of activities which the company can undertake. The choice of the object clause lies with the
subscribers to the memorandum. They are free to add anything to it provided it is not contrary to the
provisions of the Companies Act and other laws of the land.
The Companies (Amendment) Act 1965 requires that in cause of companies formed after this
amendment, the memorandum must state separately (a) main objects, and (b) other objects. Main
objects will include objects to be pursued by the company on incorporation and objects incidental or
ancillary to the attainment of the main objects. Other objects will include all other objects which are
not included in the main objects.
The object clause offers protection to the shareholders by ensuring that the funds raised for the
undertaking are not going to be risked in any other undertaking. The creditors also feel protected by
this clause. By confining the activities within a specified field, it serves the public interest also.
The object clause can be changed to enable a company to carry on its activities more economically,
or by improved means to carry on some business which under existing circumstances may
conveniently by combined with the object clause.
Liability Clause
This clause states that the liability of the members is limited to the value of shares held by them. It
means that the memes will be liable to pay only the unpaid balance of their shares. The liability of
the members may be limited by guarantee. It also states the amount which every member will
undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its winding up.
Capital Clause
The clause states the total capital of the proposed company. The division of capital into equity share
capital and preference share capital should also be mentioned. The number of shares in each category
and their value should be given. If some special rights and privileges are conferred on any type of
shareholders, mention may also be made in the clause to enable the public to know the exact nature
of capital structure of the company.
Association Clause
This clause contains the names of signatories to the memorandum of association. The memorandum
must be signed by at least seven persons in the cause of public limited company and by at least two
persons in the case of private limited company. Each subscriber must take at least one share in the
company. The subscribers declare that they agree to incorporate the company and agree to take the
shares stated against their names. The signatures of subscriber are attested by at least one witness
each. The full addresses and occupations of subscribers and the witnesses are also given.
Alteration of a Memorandum of Association
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Company Law
Memorandum of Association is a basic document of the company. Any change in various clauses of
memorandum may have an adverse effect on any of the parties connected with the company.
Company Law has prescribed a particular procedure for making a change in the memorandum. The
procedure provided for different clauses varies. The following procedure is followed for carrying out
a change in the memorandum:
Name clause (Section 25)
the Central government. If the company is registered with an undesirable name, then it can change it
with an ordinary resolution with the approval of the Central Government. The Central Government
can also direct the company within 12 months of its registration to change its name and this will have
to be done within three months. The change in name will be effective when it is resisted with the
Registrar.
Registered Office (Section 17)
The change in registered office place from one state to another requires a change in memorandum.
This change affects the interests of shareholders, investors, creditors, employees etc. This change can
be affected only with the approval of Company Law Board. Earlier this power was vested with the
court but the Company Law (Amended) Act, 1974 has transferred it to Company Law Board.
Object Clause (Section 17)
The object clause is the most important clause in the memorandum; its change may affect the
activities of the company. This clause is a limitation on the company beyond which it cannot carry its
activities. The object clause can be changed by passing a special resolution and by getting the
permission of the Company Law Board. A copy of the resolution should be field with the Registrar
within 30 days of passing the resolution. A petition is also made to the Company Law Board for
issuing a confirmation. When this change is allowed by the Board, then printed copy of the
Memorandum as altered must be field with the Registrar within three months of the order.
The change in situation and objects clause is allowed only under certain situations. It will be allowed
when it necessary for any of the following reasons:
The change is necessary to allow the company to carry on its business more economically or
efficiently.
The company will be able to attain its objectives by new and improved means.
The company may enlarge the local area of its operations.
The company is enabled by change to carry on some new business with convenience and
advantage.
To restrict or abandon any of the objects specified in the memorandum.
To sell whole of part of the company’s property.
To amalgamate with any other company or body of persons.
Liability clause:
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Company Law
If articles so permit, the liability of the Directors Managing Directors or Manager can be made
unlimited by passing a special resolution. The officer concerned should also accord his consent for
making the liability unlimited.
Capital Clause
A change in capital clause involving an increase in the authorized capital can affected by passing an
ordinary resolution in the general Meeting.
Article of Association
The rules and regulations which are framed of the internal management of the company are set out in
a document named Articles of Association. The artiest are framed to help the company in achieving
its objectives set out in a memorandum of association. It is a supplementary document to the
memorandum. According to Section 2(2) of the
Companies Act, “Articles of association of the company as originally framed or as altered from time
to time in pursuance of any previous companies’ law or of this act.”
The private companies limited by shares, companies limited by guarantee and unlimited companies
must have their articles of association. A public company limited by shares may or may not have its
own Articles. As per Section 26 of Companies Act, it is not obligatory on the part of a public
company limited by shares to prepare and register Articles of Association along with Memorandum
of Association. However, such a company may adopt all or any of the regulations contained in the
model set of Articles given in table A in the Schedule I of the Act. It means the company can partly
frame it sown articles and partly incorporate some of the regulations in Table A. Unless the company
prepares its own articles then regulations of Table A shall be applicable in the same manner as if they
were contained in its own registered articles.
The articles cannot contain anything contrary to the Companies Act and also to the memorandum of
association. If the document contains anything contrary to the Companies Act or memorandum, it
will be inoperative. When articles are proposed to be registered, they must be printed, divided into
paragraphs and numbered consecutively. Each subscriber to the memorandum must sign the articles
in the presence of at least one witness.
The nature of Articles may be explained as follows:
Articles of association are subordinate to memorandum of association.
The articles are controlled by memorandum.
Articles help in achieving the objectives laid down in the memorandum.
Articles are only internal regulation over which members exercise control.
Articles lay down the regulations of governance of the company.
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Contents
Some of the contents of articles of association are follows:
The amount of share capital issued, different types of shares, calls on shares, forfeiture of
shares, transfer and transmission of share and rights and privileges of different categories of
shareholders.
Powers to alter as well as reduce share capital.
The appointment of directors, powers, duties and their remuneration.
The appointment of manager, managing director, etc.
The procedure for holding and conducting of various meetings.
Matters relating to maintaining of accounts, declaration of dividends and keeping of reserves,
etc.
Procedure for winding up the company.
Alteration of Articles of Association
The articles of association can be altered by assign a special resolution. Certain restrictions
are imposed on the nature and extent of the alternation that may be made.
The change should not be violating the provisions of the Companies Act.
It should not be contrary to the provisions of the memorandum of association.
The alteration must not have anything illegal.
The alteration should not adversely affect the minority shareholders.
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Company Law
Prospectus of a Company
Prospectus
After the receipt of certificate of incorporation, if the promoters of a public limited company wish to
issue shares to the public, he will issue a document called prospectus. It is an invitation to the public
to subscribe to the share capital of the company. The companies Act, 1956 defines prospectus as any
document described or issued as a prospectus and include any notice, circular, advertisement or other
documents inviting deposits from the public or inviting offer from the public for the subscription of
shares. It is circulated among the public in printed pamphlets.
It gives all necessary information about the company so that the prospective shareholders may fully
understand the objectives and the plans of the company.
After getting the company incorporated, promoters will raise finances. The public is invited to
purchase s A document containing detailed information about the company and an invitation to the
public subscribing to the share capital and debentures is issued. This document is called
‘prospectuses. Private companies cannot issue a prospectus because they are strictly prohibited from
inviting the public to subscribe to their shares. Only public companies can issue a prospectus. Section
2 (36) of the Companies Act defines prospectus as, “A prospectus means any document described or
issued as prospectus and includes any notice, circular, advertisement or other documents invent
deposits from public or inviting offers from the public for the subscription or purchase of any shares
in or debentures of a body corporate.”
The prospectus is not an offer in the contractual sense but only an invitation to offer. A document
constructed to be a prospectus should be issued to the public. A prospectus should have the following
essentials.
There must be an invitation offering to the public.
The invitation must be made on behalf of the company or intended company.
The invitation must to be subscribed or purchase.
The invitation must relate to shares or debentures.
A prospectus must be field with the Registrar of companies before it is issued to the public. The issue
of prospectus is essential when the company wishes the public to purchase its shares or debentures.
If the promoters are confident of obtaining the required capital through private contacts, even a
public company may not issue a prospectus. The promoters prepare a draft prospectus containing
required information and this document is known as ‘a statement is lieu of prospectus.’ A prospectus
duly dated and signed by all the directors should be field with Register of Company before it is
issued to the public.
A prospectus brings to the notice of the public that a new company has been formed. The company
tries to convince the public that it offers best opportunity for their investment. A prospectus outlines
a detail the terms and conditions on which the shares or debentures have been offered to the public.
Every prospectus contains an application from on which an intending investor can apply for the
purchase of shares or debentures. A company must get minimum subscription within 120 days from
the issue of prospectus. If it fails to obtain minimum subscription from the members of the public
within the specified period, then the amount already received from public is returned. The company
cannot get a certificate of commencement of business because the public is not interested in that
company.
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Contents of Prospectus:
The following important matter are included in the prospectus:
The prospectus contains the main objectives of the company, the name and addresses of the
signatories of the memorandum of association and the number of shares held by them.
The name, addresses and occupation of directors and managing directors.
The number and classes of shares and debentures issued.
The qualification shares of directors and the interest of directors for the promotion of
company.
The number, description and the document of shares or debentures which within the two
preceding years have been agreed to be issued other than cash.
The name and addresses of the vendors of any property acquired by the company and the
amount paid or to be paid.
particulars about the directors, secretaries and the treasures and their remuneration.
The amount for the minimum subscription.
If the company carrying on business, the length of time of such businesses.
The estimated amount of preliminary expenses.
Name and address of the auditors, bankers and solicitors of the company.
Time and place where copies of balance sheets, profits and loss account and the auditor’s
report may be inspected.
The auditor’s report so submitted must deal with the profit and loss of the company for each
year of five financial years immediately preceding the issue of prospectus.
If any profit or reserve has been capitalized, the particulars of such capitalization will be
stated in the prospectus.
Name and full address of the company.
Full particulars about the signatories to the memorandum of association and the number of
shares taken up by them.
The number and classes of shares. The interest of shareholders in the property and profits of
the company.
Name, address and occupations of members of the Board of Directors or proposed Directors.
The minimum subscription fixed by promoters after taking into account all financial
requirements at the beginning.
If the company acquires any property from vendors, their full particulars are to be given.
The full address of underwriters, if any, and the opinion of directors that the underwriters
have sufficient resources to meet their obligations.
The time of opening of the subscription list.
The nature and extent of interest of every promoter in the promotion of the company.
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Company Law
PRELIMINARY
1.Short title and commencement
(1) This Act may be called the Companies Act, 1994.
(2) It shall come into force on such rate as the Government may, by notification in the Official,
Gazette, appoint.
2. Definitions of Repugnant in the subject:
(1) In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context, -
a. "articles" means the articles of association of a company including, so far as they apply to the
company, the regulations contained in Schedule I to this Act.:
Provided that the article of association of a company framed under any law relating to companies at
any time in force before the commencement of this Act shall, so far as they are not inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act, be deemed to be the articles of association of that company framed in
accordance with the provisions of the Act:
b. "Banking company" means a bank company as defined in section 5(9) of the Act, 1991 (Act
No. 14 of 1991).
c. "company" means a company formed and registered under this Act or an existing company;
d. "The Court" means the Court having jurisdiction under this Act;
e. "debenture" includes debenture stock, bonds and any other securities of a company, whether
constituting a charge on the assets of company or not;
f. "director" includes any person occupying the position of director by whatever name called;
g. "District Court" means the principle Civil Court of original jurisdiction in a district, but does
not include the High Court Division, in the exercise of its ordinary civil jurisdiction;
h. "Existing company" means a company formed and registered under any law relating to
companies in force at any time before the commencement of this Act, and is in operation after
commencement of this Act,
i. "Financial year" means, in relation to any body corporate, the period in respect of which any
profit and loss account of the body corporate laid before it in annual general meeting is made
up, whether that period is a year or not;
Provided that in relation to an insurance company, "financial year" shall mean the calendar year;
j. "Insurance company" means a company that carries on the business of insurance either solely
or in common. with any other business or businesses;
k. "manager" means an individual who, subject to the superintendence, control and direction of
the Board of Directors, has the management of the whole, or substantially the whole, of the
affairs and business of a company, and includes a director or any other person occupying the
position of a manager, by whatever name called, and whether under a contract of service or
not;
l. "Managing agent' means a person, firm or company by whatever name called, who or which
is entitled to the management of the whole affairs and business of a company by virtue of an
agreement with the company, and under the control and direction of the directors except to
the extent, if any, otherwise provided for in the agreement;
m. "Managing director" means a director who, by virtue of an agreement with the company or of
a resolution passed by the company in its general meeting or by its directors or by virtue of its
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(b) the first mentioned company, being an existing company, has before the commencement of this
Act, issued preference shares the holders of which have the same voting right in all respects as the
holders of equity shares and that other company exercises or controls more than half of the total
voting power of the first mentioned company; or
(c) the first mentioned company is not a subsidiary within the meaning of clause (b), but that other
company holds more than half in nominal value of its equity share capital; or
(d) the first mentioned company is a subsidiary of a third company with is that other's subsidiary.
(3) For the purposes of sub-section (2), the composition of a company's Board of Directors shall be
deemed to be controlled by another company if, that other company, by the exercise of some power
exercisable by it at its discretion without the consent or concurrence of any other person, can appoint
or remove the holders of all or a majority of the directors, and for the purposes of this sub-section
that other company shall be deemed to have power to appoint to a directorship with respect to which
any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is to say--
(a) that power of appointment cannot be exercised except in favour of an individual,
(b)) that an individual’s appointment thereto follows necessarily from his appointment as director,
managing agent, secretary or manager of or to any other office of employment in, that other
company; or
(c) that the directorship is held by an individual nominated by that other company or a subsidiary
thereof.
(4) In determining whether one company is a subsidiary of another the following conditions shall be
applicable namely: --
I. any shares held or power exercisable by that other company in a fiduciary capacity shall be
treated as not held or exercisable by it.
II. subject to the provisions of clauses (c) and (d) any shares held or power exercisable shall be
deemed to be the shares held or power exercisable by that other company, if--
III. the shares are held or the power is exercisable by a person as a nominee and on behalf of that
other company, but this clause shall not apply to the holding of such shares or to the exercise
of such powers by such person where that other company is concerned in a fiduciary
capacity.
IV. the shares are held or the power is exercisable by a subsidiary of that other company or by a
nominee of such subsidiary, but this clause shall not apply to the holding of such shares or to
the exercise of such powers by the subsidiary or by its nominee where the subsidiary is
concerned in a fiduciary capacity;
V. any shares held or power exercisable by any person by virtue of the provisions of any
debentures of the first-mentioned company or of a trust deed for securing any issue of
such debentures shall disregarded;
VI. if any shares are held or power is exercisable, not being held of exercisable as mentioned
in clause (c), -- (i) by that other company or by its subsidiary or by a nominee of that other
or its subsidiary as the case may be, and
(ii) the ordinary business of that other company or as the case may be of its subsidiary includes the
lending of money and such shares are held or the power is exercisable by way of security of the loan
[then such power shall not be treated as being held or exercisable by such company or its nominee.]
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(5) For the purposes of this Act' a company shall be deemed to be the holding company of another if,
and only if, that other is its subsidiary.
3. Jurisdiction of the Court.
(1) The Court having jurisdiction under this Act shall be High Court Division;
Provided that the Government may be notification in the Official Gazette and subject to such
restrictions and conditions as it thinks fit, empower any District Court to exercise all or any of the
jurisdiction by this Act conferred upon the Court, and in that case such District Court shall as regards
the jurisdiction so conferred, be the Court in respect of all companies having their registered office in
the district.
Explanation. --For the purposes to wind up companies the expression "registered office" means the
place where the registered office of the company, during the six months immediately preceding the
presentation of the petition of winding up was situated.
(2) Nothing in this section shall invalidate a proceeding by reason of its being taken in a wrong Court
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PART-II
CONSTITUTION AND INCORPORATION
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(1) A company shall not be registered by a name identical with that by which a company in existence is
already registered, or so nearly resembling the name that there is likelihood of using the name to deceive,
except where the company in existence is in the course of being dissolved and signifies its written consent in
such manner as the Registrar requires.
(2) If a company, through inadvertence or otherwise, is, without the consent referred to in sub-section (1),
registered by a name identical with that by which a company in existence is previously is registered, or so
nearly resembling the name that there is likelihood of using the name to deceive, the first mentioned company
shall, on he direction of the Registrar, change its name within a period of one hundred and twenty days.
12. Alternation of memorandum.
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Act, a company may, by special resolution, alter the provisions of its
memorandum with respect to the objects of the company, so far as may be required to enable it--
(a) to carry on its business more economically or more efficiently; or
(b) to attain its main purpose by new or improved means; or
(c) to enlarge or change the local area of its operations; or
(2) The alteration shall not take effect until and except in so far it is confirmed by the Court on petition.
(3) Before confirming the alteration, the Court must be satisfied--
(a) that sufficient notice has been given to every holder of debentures of the company, and to any
person or class of person whose interest will, in the option of the Court, be affected by the
alteration; and
(b) that, with respect to every creditor who in the opinion of the Court is entitled to object, and
who signifies his objections in manner directed by the Court, either his consent to the alteration has
been obtained or his debt or claim has been discharged or has been determined, or has been secured
to the satisfaction of the Court;
13. Power of Court when confirming alteration.
The Court may make an order confirming the alteration either wholly or in part, and on such terms and
conditions as it thinks fit, and may make such order as to costs as it thinks proper.
14. Exercises of discretion by Court.
The Court shall, in exercising its discretion under sections 12 and 13, have regard to the class of them, as well
as to the rights and interests of the creditors, and may if it thinks fit, adjourn the proceedings in order that an
arrangement may be made to the satisfaction of the Court for the purchase of the interests of dissenting
members; and may give such directions and make such orders as it may think expedient for facilitating or
carrying into effect any such arrangement; Provided that no part of the share capital of the company may be
expended in any such purchase.
15. Procedure on confirmation of the alternation.
A certified copy of the order confirming the alternation, together with a printed copy of the memorandum as
altered, shall be filed by the company with the Registrar within ninety days from the date of the order or
within such time as may be extended by the court, and he Registrar shall register the same. and shall certify
the registration under his hand, and the certificate shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of this
Act, with respect to the alteration and the confirmation thereof, have been complied with, and hence forth the
memorandum so altered shall be the memorandum of the company.
16. Effect of failure to register within extended time.--No such alteration shall have any operation until
registration thereof has been duly effected in accordance with the provisions of section 15, and if such
registration is not effected within the period specified in that section such alteration and the order of the
Court confirming the alteration, and all proceedings connected there with shall, at the expiration of the
period specified under that section become absolutely null and void :
Provided that the Court may, on sufficient cause shown, revive the order on application made within a further
period of thirty days after the said period.
Articles of Association,
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(2) All money payable by any member to the company under the memorandum or articles shall be a debt
one from him to the company.
23. Registration of memorandum and articles.
(1) The memorandum and articles if any shall be field with the Registrar who if satisfied that the
requirements of this Act have been complied with shall retain and register them within thirty days from the
date of their receipt and in the event of refusal he shall communicate the grounds within ten days after that
period to the company.
(2) An person on being aggrieved by a refusal of the Registrar under sub-section (1) may make an appeal
to the Government within thirty days of the receipt of the refusal order.
(3) The petition of appeal shall be accompanied by a treasury challan showing of a fee of two hundred
fifty taka to be credited under the head of account specified in this behalf.
(4) The decision of the Government in an appeal under this section shall be final.
24. Effect of registration.
(1) On the registration of the memorandum of a company the Registrar shall certify under his hand that
the company is incorporated and in the case of a limited company that the company is limited.
(2) From the date of incorporation mentioned in the certificate of incorporation the subscribers of the
memorandum together with such other persons as may from time to time become members of the company
shall be a body corporate by the name contained in the memorandum capable forthwith of exercising all the
functions of an incorporated company and having perpetual succession and a common seal but with such
liability on the part of the members to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound
up as is mentioned in this Act.
25. Conclusiveness of certificate of incorporation.
(1) A certificate of incorporation given by the Registrar in respect of any association shall be conclusive
evidence that all the requirements of this Act in respect of registration and of matters precedent and incidental
thereto have been complied with and that the association is a company authorised to the registered and duly
registered under this Act.
(2) A declaration by an advocate entitled to appear before the High Court Division who is engaged in the
formation of a company or by a person named in the articles as a director manager or secretary of the
company of compliance with all or any of the said requirements shall be filed with the Registrar and the
Registrar may accept such a declaration as sufficient evidence of compliance.
26. Copies of memorandam and articles to be given to members.
(1) Every member of a company may request for a copy of the memorandum, and also for a copy of the
articles, if any, and if such request is made in writing alongwith a fee of taka fifty or such less fee as may
fixed by the company, the company shall, within fourteen days from the date of such request, send the copy to
that member.
(2) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, it shall be liable for
each offence to a fine not exceeding two hundred taka and every officer of the company who is knowingly
and willfully in default shall be liable to like penalty.
27. Alteration of memorandum of articles to be noted in every copy.
(1) Where an alteration is made in the memorandum or articles of a company, every copy of the
memorandum or articles issued after the date of the date of the alteration shall be in accordance with the
alteration.
(2) If, where any such alteration has been made the company at any time after the date of the alteration,
issues any copies of the memorandum or article which are not in accordance with the alteration, it shall be
liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred taka for each copy so issued, and every officer of the company who
is knowingly and willfully in default shall also bearable to a like penalty.
Association not for profit
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28. Power to dispense with Limited In name of charitable and other companies.
(1) Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Government that an association capable of being formed
as a limited company has been or in about to be formed for promoting commerce, art, science, religion,
charity, or any other useful object, and appllies or intends to apply its profits, if any or other income in
promoting its objects and to prohibit the payment of any dividence to its membners the Government may, by
licence with approval of one of its Secretaries, direct that the association be registered as a company with
limited liability, without the addition of the word "Limited" to its name, and the association may be registered
accordingly.
(2) A licence by the Government under this section may be granted on such conditions and subject to
such restrictions as the Government thinks fit and those conditions and restrictions shall be binding on the
association and shallif the Government so directs be inserted in the memorandum and articles or in one of
those documents.
(3) The association shall on registration enjoy all the privuleges of limited companies and be subject to all
their obligations except those of using the word "Limited" as any part of its name and of publishing its name
or of sending lists of members to the Registrar.
(4) A licence under this section may at any time be cancelled by the Government and upon cancellation
the Registrar shall enter the word "Limited" at the end of the name of the association upon the register and the
association shall cease to enjoy the exemptions and privileges granted by this section:
Provided that before a licence is sop cancelled the Government shall give to the association a notice in writing
of its intention and the grounds their of and shall afford the association an opportunity of submitting a
representation in opposition to the cancellation.
Companies Limited by Guarantee
29. Provision as to companies limited by guarantee.
(1) In the case of company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital and registered after the
commencement of this Act every provision in the memorandum or articles or in any resolution of the
company purporting to give any person a right to participate in the divisible profits of the company otherwise
than as a member shall be void.
(2) For the purpose of this section and the other provisions of this Act. relating to the memorandum of a
company limited by guarantee every provision in the memorandum or articles, or in any resolution, of any
company limited by guarantee and registered after the commencement of this Act. purporting to divide the
undertaking of thecompany into shares or interests shall be treated as a provision for as share capital
notwithstanding that the nominal amount or number of the shares or interests is not specified thereby.
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PART III
SHARE CAPITAL, REGISTRATION OF UNLIMITED COMPANY AS LIMITED AND
UNLIMITED LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
Distribution of Share Capital
30. Nature of shares.
(1) The shares or other interests of any member a company shall be deemed to be movable property and
shall be transferable in manner provided by the articles of the company.
(2) Each share in a company having a share capital shall be distinguished by the appropriate number.
31. Certificate of shares or stock.
A certificate under the common seal of the company specifying any shares or stock held by any member shall
be prima facie evidence of the title of the member to the shares or stock therein specified.
32. Definition of Member.
(1) Every subscriber of the memorandum of company shall be deemed to have agreed to become a
member of the company and on its registration shall be entered as a member in its register of members.
(2) Every other person who agrees to become a member of a company, and whose name is entered in its
register of members shall be a member of the company.
33. Membership of holding company
(1) Except in the cases mentioned in this section a body corporate cannot be a member of a company
which is its holding company and any allotment or transfer or shares in a company to its subsidiary shall be
void.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply; namely--
(a) Where the subsidiary is the legal representative of a deceased member of the holding
company; or
(b) Where the subsidiary is concerned as trustee unless the holding company or a subsidiary
thereof is beneficially interested under the trust and is not so interested only by way of security for
the purposes of a transaction entered into by it in the ordinary course of business which includes
the lending of money.
(3) This section shall not prevent a subsidiary from continuing to be a member of its holding company if
it was a member thereof either at the commencement of this Act or before becoming a subsidiary of the
holding company; but except in the cases referred to in sub-section (2), the subsidiary shall have no right to
vote at meetings of the holding company or of any class of members thereof.
(4) Subject of sub-section (2) sub-sections (1) and (3) shall apply in relation to a nominee for a body
corporate which is a subsidiary as if reference in the said sub-sections (1) and (3) to such a body corporate
and a subsidiary included reference to a nominee for it.
(5) In relation to a holding company which is either a company limited by guarantee or an unlimited
company the reference in this section to shares shall, whether or not the company has a share capital be
construed as including a reference to the interest of its members as such whatever be the form of that
interest.
34. Register of member
(1)Every company shall keep in one on or more books of register of its members, and enter therein the
following
particulars:--
(i) the name and addresses, and the occupations, if any of the members;
(ii) in the case of a company having a share capital, a statement of the shares held by each
member, distinguishing each share by its number, and of the amount paid or agreed to be considered
as paid on the shares of each member;
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(iii) the date at which each person was entered in the register as a member; (iv) the date at which
any person ceased to be a member.
(2) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of this section. It shall be liable to as
fine not exceeding one hundred taka for everyday during which the default continues and every officer of
the company who knowingly and willfully authorise or permits the default shall also be liable to a like
penalty.
35. Index of members of company
(1) Every company having more than fifty member shall, unless the register of members is in such a form
as to constitute in itself an index, keep an index of the names of the members of the company and shall within
fourteen days after the date on which any alteration is made in the register members make any necessary
alteration in the index.
(2) The index which may be in the form of a card index shall in respect of each member contain a
sufficient indication to enable the account of that member to be readily found.
(3) If default is made in complying with the section the company shall be liable to a fine not exceeding
five hundred taka and every officer of the company who is knowingly and willfully in default shall be liable to
a like penalty.
36. Annual list of members and summary
(1) Every company having a share capital shall within eighteen months from its incorporation and
thereafter once at least in every year make a list of all persons who on the day of the first or only ordinary
general meeting in the year are members of the company, and of all persons who have ceased to be
members since the date of the last return or in the case of the first return of the incorporation of the
company.
(2) The following shall be stated in the list namely:--
(a) the names, addresses, nationality and occupation of all past and [present members;
(b) the number of shares held by each of the existing members at the date of return specifying the shares
transferred since the date of last return or, in the case of first return, since the date of incorporation, by
persons who are still members and by persons who have ceased to be members respectively and also the
dates of registration of such transfer; and
(c) a summary distinguishing between shares issued for cash and shares issued as fully or partly paid up
Trust not to be entered on register
No notice of any trust, expressed, implied or constructive, shall be entered on the register, or be receivable by
the Registrar.
37. Transfer of shares
(1) An application for the registration of the transfer of shares in a company may be made either by the
transferer or the transfere, provided where such application is made by the transferer no registration shall in
case of party paid shares be effected unless the company gives motive of the application to the transferee and
subject to the provisions of sub-section (7) the company shall, unless objection is made by the transferee two
weeks from the date of receipt of the notice, enter in its register of members the name of the transferee in the
same manner and subject to the same conditions as if the application for registration was made by the
transferee.
(2) For the purpose of sub-section (1), notice to the transferee shall be deemed to have been duly given if
despatched by prepaid post to the transferee at the address given in the instrument of transfer and shall be
deemed to ave been delivered in the ordinary course of post.
(3) It shall not be lawful for the company to register a transfer of share in or debentures of the company
unless the proper instrument of transfer duly stamped and executed by the transferor and the transferee has
been delivered to the company along with script:
Provided that, where it is proved to the satisfaction of the directors of the company that an instrument of
transfer signed by the transferor and transferee has been lost, the company may, if the directors think fit, on an
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application in writing made by the transferee and bearing the stamp required by an instrument of transferor
register the transfer on such terms as to indemnity as the directors may think fit.
39. Certification of transfer.
(1) The certification by a company of any instrument of transfer of shares in, or debentures of, the
company, shall be taken as a representation by the company to any person acting on the faith of the
certification that there have been produced to the company such documents as on the face of them show a
prime facie title to the shares or debentures in the transfer named in the instrument of transfer, but not as a
representation that transferor has complete title to the shares or debentures.
(2)Where any person acts on the faith of an erroneous certification made by a company negligently, the
company shall be under the same liability to him as if the certification has been made fraudulently.
(3) For the purposes of this section-
(a) an instrument of transfer shall be deemed to have certificated if it bears the words 'certificate lodged"
or words to the like effect;
(b) the certification of an instrument of transfer shall be deemed to be made by a company, if-
(i) the person issuing the certificated instrument is a person authorise to issue such instruments
of transfer on the company's behalf; and
(ii) the certification is signed by any officer or servant of the company or any other person
authorised to certificate transfers on the company's behalf, or if a body corporate has been so
authorised by any officer or servant of that body corporate;
(c) a certification shall be deemed to be signed by any person if it purports to be authenticated by his
signature, unless it is shown that the signature was placed there neither by himself nor by any person
authorised to use the signature for the purpose of certificating transfers on the company's behalf.
40. Transfer by legal representative.
A transfer of the share or other interest of a decease member of a company made by his legal representative
shall, although the legal representative is not himself a member, be as valid, as if he had been a member at the
time of the execution of the instrument of transfer.
41. Inspection of register of members.
(1) The register of members commencing from the date of the registration of the company and where
section 35 applies also the index of members shall be kept at the registered office of the company, and such
register and index shall, except when closed under the provisions of this Act shall during business hours
subject to such reasonable restrictions as the company in general meeting impose, so that not less than two
hours in each day be allowed for inspection, be kept open to the inspection of any member free of cost and to
the inspection of any other person on payment of one hundred taka or such less sum as the company may
prescribe for each inspection, and any such member or other person may make extract therefore.
(2) Any member or other person may require a copy of the register or of any part thereof or of the list and
summary required by this Act or any part thereof, on payment of five taka for every hundred words or
fractional part thereof required to be copied and the company shall cause any copy so required by any person
to be sent to that person within a period of ten days commencing on the day next after the day on which the
requirement is received by the company.
Explanation:
For the purpose of this sub-section in reckoning the ten working days, the non-working days and days on
which the transfer books of the company remain closed shall be excluded.
42. Power to close register.
A company may on giving seven day's previous notice by advertisement in some newspaper circulating in the
district in which the registered office of the company is situated close the register of members for any time or
times not exceeding in the whole forty-five days in each year but bot exceeding thirty days at a time.
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(2) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of this section it shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding two hundred taka for every day during which the default continues and every officer of the
company who knowingly and wilfully continues or permits the default shall also be liable to a like penalty.
51. Surrender of Share warrant.
Until the warrant is surrendered, the above particulars shall be deemed to be the particulars required by this
Act to be entered in the register of members; and on the surrender the date of the surrender shall be entered as
if it were the date at which a person ceased to be a member.
52. Power of company to arrange for different amounts being paid on shares
A company, if so authorised by its articles may do any one or more of the following things, namely--
(i) make arrangements on the issue of shares for a difference between he shareholders in the amounts and
times of payment of calls on their shares;
(ii) accept from any member who assents thereto the whole or a part of the amount remaining unpaid on
any shares held by him although no part of that amount has been called up;
(iii) pay dividend in proportion to the amount paid-up on each share where a larger amount is paid-up on
some shares than on others.
53. Power of company limited by shares to alter its share capital.
(1)A company limited by shares if so authorised by its articles may alter the conditions of its
memorandum, as follows that is to say it may--
(a) increase its share capital by the issue of new shares of such amount as it thinks expedient;
(b) consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital into shares of larger amount than its
existing shares;
(c) convert all or any of its paid-up shares into stock and reconvert that stock into paid-up shares
of any denomination.
(d) sub-divided ist shares, or any of them, into shares of smaller amount than is fixed by the
memorandum, so that in the sub-division the proportion between he amount paid and the amount, if
any, unpaid on each reduced share shall be the same as it was in the case of the share from which
the reduced share is derived;
(e) cancel shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution in that behalf, have not been
taken or agreed to be taken by any person, and diminish the amount of its share capital by the
amount of the share so cancelled.
(2) the powers conferred by this section can only be exercised by the company in its general meeting.
(3) A cancellation of shares in pursuance of this section shall not be deemed to be a reduction of share
capital within the meaning of the other provisions of the Act.
(4) The company shall file with the Registrar notice of the exercise of any power referred to tin clause (d)
or clause (e) of sub-section (1) within fifteen days from the exercise thereof.
54. Notice to Registrar for consolidation of share a capital, conversion of shares into stock etc.
(1) Where a company having a share capital has consolidated and divided its share capital into shares of
larger amount than its existing shares or converted any of the shares into stock or re-converted stock into
shares, it shall within fifteen days of the consolidation and division, conversion or re-conversion, file notice
with the Registrar of the same, specifying the share consolidated and divided, or converted or the stock re-
coverted.
(2) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, it shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding two hundred taka for everyday during which the default continues, and every officer of the
company who knowingly and willful authorises or permits the default shall also be liable to the like penalty.
55. Effect of conversion of shares into stock.
Where a company having a share capital has converted any of its shares into stock and filed notice of the
conversion with the Register all the provisions of this Act which are applicable to shares only shall cease as to
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so much of the share capital as is converted into stock; and the register of members of the company, and the
list of members to be filed with the Registrar shall show the amount of stock held by each member instead of
the amount of shares and the particulars relating to shares hereinbefore required by this Act.
56. Notice of increase of share capital or of members.
(1) Where a company having a share capital, whether its shares have or have not been converted into
stock, has increased its share capital, beyond the registered capital, and where a company not having a share
capital has increased the number of its members beyond the registered number, it shall file with the Registrar,
in the case of an increase of share capital, within fifteen days after the passing of the resolution authorising the
increase and in the case of an increase of members within fifteen days after the increase was resolved on or
took place, notice of the increase of capital or members, and the Registrar shall record the increase.
(2) The notice under sub section (1) shall include particulars of the classes of shares, affected and the
conditions, if any, subject to which the new shares are to be issued.
(3) If a company makes a default in complying with the requirements of this section, it shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding two hundred taka for every day during which the default continues, and every officer of the
company who knowingly and willfully authorises or permits the default shall be liable to a like penalty.
57. Application of premiums received on issue of shares.
(1) Where a company issues shares at a premium, whether for cash or otherwise, a sum equal to the
aggregate amount or value of the premiums on those shares, shall be transferred to an account, to be called
"the share premium account" and the provisions of this Act relating to the reduction of the share capital of
a company shall, except as provided in this section, apply as if the share premium account were paid-up
share capital of the company.
(2) The share premium account may be applied by the company--
(a) in paying up unissued shares of the company to be issued to member of the company as fully
paid bonus shares;
(b) in writing of the preliminary expenses of the company,
(c) in writing off the expenses of, or the commission paid or discount allowed, on any issue of
shares or debentures of the company; or
(d) in providing for the premium payable on the redemption of any redeemable preference shares
or of any debentures of the company.
(3) Where is company has, before the commincement of this Act issued any shares at a premium this
section shall apply as if the shares had been issued after the commencement of this Act:
Provided that any part of the premium which has been so applied that it does not at the commencement of this
Act form an identificable part of the company's reserves within the meaning of Schedule XI shall be
disregarded in determining the sum to be included in the share premium account.
Reduction of Share Capital
58. Restriction on purchase by company or loans by Company for purchase of its own shares
(1) No company limited by shares shall have power to buy its own shares or the shares of a public
company of which it is a subsidiary company, unless the consequent reduction of capital is effected and
sanctioned in the manner provided by sections 59 to 70.
(2) No company limited by shares other than private company or a subsidiary company of a public
company, shall give whether directly or indirectly, and whether by means of a loan guarantee the provision
of security or otherwise any financial assistance for the purpose of or in connection with a purchase made
or to be made by any person of any shares in the company:
Provided that nothing in this section shall, where the lending of money is part of the ordinary business of a
company, be taken to prohibit the lending of money by the company in the ordinary course of its business.
(3) If a company acts in contravention of this section, the company, are every officer of the company who
is knowingly and wilfully in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand taka.
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(4) Nothing in this section shall affect the right of a company to redeem any shares issued under section
154.
59. Reduction of share capital.
(1) Subject to confirmation by the Court, a company limited by shares, if so authorised by its articles,
may by special resolution reduce its share capital in any way, and in particular the company may, as part of
this general power--
(a) extinguish or reduce the liability on any of its shares in respect of share capital not paid-up;
(b) either with or without extinguishing or reducing liability on any of its shares, cancel any paid-
up share capital which is lost or presented by available assets;
(c) either with or without extinguishing or reducing liability on any of its shares, pay off any
paid-up share capital which is in excess of the wants of the company;
(d) so far as is necessary, alter its memorandum by reducing the amount of its share capital and of
its shares accordingly.
(2) A special resolution under this section is in this Act called a resolution or reducing share capital.
60. Application to Court for confirming order
Where a company has passed a resolution for reducing share capital it shall apply by petition to the Court for
an order confirming the reduction.
61. Addition to name of company of "and reduced"
On and from the passing by a company of a resolution for reducing share capital, or where the reduction does
not involve either the diminution of any liability in respect of un-paid share capital or the payment to any
share holder of any paid-up share capital, then on and from the making of the order by the Court confirming
by the reduction the company shall add to its name, until such date as the Court may fix, the words "and
reduced" as the last words in its name and those words shall until that date be deemed to be part of the name
of the company:
Provided that where the reduction does not involve either the diminutior of any liability in respect of unpaid
share capital or the payment to any shareholder of any paid-up share capital, the Court may, if it thinks
expedient dispense altogether with the addition of words "and reduced".
62. Objections by creditors and settlement of list of objecting creditors:
(1) Where the proposed reduction of share capital involves either diminution of liability in respect of unpaid
share capital or the payment to any shareholder of any paid-up share capital, without permission of the Court
and in any other case if the Court so permits every creditor of the company, who at the date fixed by the Court
is entitled to any debt or claim which if that date were the commencement of the winding up of the company
would be admissible in proof against the company shall be entitled to object to the reduction.
(2)The Court shall settle a list of creditors so entitle to object, and for that purpose shall ascertain as far as
possible without requiring an application from any creditor the names those creditors and the nature and
amount of their debts or claims and may issue notices fixing a day or days within which creditors not entered
on the list are to claim to be so entered on to be excluded from the right of objecting to the reduction; and after
consideration such claims the Court shall finalise the list.
63. Power to dispense with consent of creditor on security being given for his debt
Where a creditor entered on the list of creditors whose debt or claim is not discharged or determined does not
consent to the reduction, the Court may, if it thinks fit dispense with the consent of the creditor on the
company securing payment of his debt or claim by appropriating as the Court may direct the following
amount that is to say--
(i) if the company admits the full amount of his debt or claim or though not admitting it is willing to
provide for it then the full amount of the debt or claim;
(ii) if the company does not admit or is not willing to provide for the full amount of the debt or claim, or
if the amount is contingent or not ascertained, then an amount fixed by the Court after the like inquiry and
adjudication as if the company were being wound up by the Court.
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If any officer of the company willfully conceals the name of any creditor entitled to object to the reduction or
willfully misrepresents the nature or amount of the debt or claim of any creditor, or if any officer of the
company abets, any such concealment or misrepresentation as aforesaid every such officer shall have
punishable with imprisonment which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.
69. Publication of reasons for reduction:
In any case of reduction of share capital, the Court may require the company to publish, as the Court directs,
the reasons for reduction or such other information in regard thereto as the Court may think expedient with a
view to giving proper information to the public, and, if the Court think fit, also causes which led to the
reduction.
70. Increase and reduction of share capital of a company limited by guarantee:
A Company limited by guarantee and registered after the commencement of this Act may, if it has a share
capital and is so authorised by its articles, increase or reduce its share capital in the same manner and subject
to the same conditions in and subject to which a company limited by shares may increase or reduce its share
capital under the provisions of this Act.
Variation of Shareholder's Rights
71. Rights of holders of special classes of shares:
(1) If in the case of a company, the share capital of which is divided into different classes of shares,
provision is made by the memorandum or articles authorising the variation of the rights attached to any class
of shares in the company, subject to the consent of any specified proportion of the holders of the issued shares
of that class or the sanction of are solution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of those shares, and in
pursuance of the said provision the rights attached to any class of shares are at any time varied, the holders of
the less in the aggregate than ten per cent of the issued shares of that class, being persons who did not consent
to or vote in favour of the resolution for the variation, may apply to the Court to have the variation cancelled,
and where any such application is made, the variation shall not have effect unless and until it is confirmed by
the Court.
(2) An application under sub-section (1) must be made within fourteen days after the date on which the
consent was given or the resolution was passed, as the case may be, under that sub-section and may be made
on behalf of the shareholders entitled to make the application by such one or more of their numbers as they
may appoint in writing for the purpose.
(3) On any such application, the Court, after hearing the applicant and any other persons who apply to the
Court to be heard and appear to the Court to be interested in the application, may if it is satisfied having
regard to all the circumstances of the case that the variation would unfairly prejudice the shareholders of the
class represented by the applicant, disallow the variation and shall, if not so satisfied, confirm the variation.
(4) The decision of he Court on any such application shall be final.
(5) The company shall, within fifteen days after the service on the company of any order made on any
such application, forward a copy of the order to the Registrar, and if default is made in complying with this
provision, the company shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred taka and every officer of the
company who is knowingly and willfully in default shall be liable to a like penalty.
(6) The expression "variation" in this section includes "abrogation" and the expression "varied" shall be
construed accordingly.
Registration of Unlimited Company as Limited
72. Registration of unlimited company as limited:
(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, any company registered as unlimited may register under this
Act as limited and any company registered before the commencement of this Act as a limited company may
re-register under this Act, but the registration of an unlimited company as a limited company shall not affect
any debts, liabilities, obligations or contracts incurred or entered into by, to, with or on behalf of, the company
before the registration, and those debts, liabilities, obligations and contracts may be enforced in manner
provided by part VIII of this Act in the case of a company registered in pursuance of that Part.
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(2) On registration in pursuance of this section, the Registrar shall close the former registration of the
company, and may dispense with the delivery to him of companies of any documents with copies of which he
was furnished on the occasion of the original registration of the company; but, save as aforesaid, the
registration shall take place in the same manner and shall have effect as if it were the first registration of the
company under this Act.
73. Power of unlimited company to provide for reserve share capital on registration
(1) An unlimited company having a she capital may, by its resolution for registration as a limited company in
pursuance of this Act, do either or both of the following things, namely:--
(a) increase the nominal amount of its share capital by increasing the nominal amount of each of its
shares, but subject to the condition that no part of the amount by which its capital is so increased shall be
capable of being called up except in the event and for the purpose of the company being wound up;
(b) provide that a specified portion of its uncalled share capital shall not be capable of being called up
except in the event and for the purpose of the company being wound up.
(2) the portion of the share capital increased or specified under sub- section (1) shall be called the reserved
share capital.
Reserve Capital of Limited Company
74. Reserve Capital of Limited company:
A limited company may by special resolution, determine that any portion of its share capital which has not
been already called up shall not be capable of being called up, except in the event and for the purposes of the
company being wound up, and thereupon that portion of its share capital shall not be capable of being called
up except in the event and for the purposes aforesaid; and such portion shall be called reserved share capital.
Unlimited Liability of Directors
75. Limited company may have directors with unlimited liability
(1) In a limited company the liability of the directors or of any director may, if so provided by the
memorandum, be unlimited.
(2) In a limited company in which the liability of any director is unlimited, the directors of the company,
if any, and the member, who proposes a person for election or appointment to the office of director, shall add
to that proposal a statement that the liability of the person holding that office will be unlimited and the
promoter and officers of the company or one of them shall, before the person accepts the office or acts therein,
give him notice in writing that his liability will be unlimited.
(3) If any director or proposer makes default in adding a statement as required by sub-section (1), or if
any promoter or officer of the company makes default in giving a notice as required by that sub- section, the
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand taka and shall also be liable for any damage which the
person so elected or appointed may sustain from the default, but the liability of the person elected or
appointed shall not be affected by the default.
76. Special resolution of limited company making liability of directors unlimited.
(1) A limited company if so authorised by its articles may, by special resolution, alter its memorandum so as
to render unlimited the liability of its directors or of any director. (2) Upon the passing of any special
resolution under sub-section (1), the provisions thereof shall be valid as if they had been originally contained
in the memorandum.
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PART IV
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Office and Name
77. Registered office of company - (1) A company shall as from the day on which it begins to carry on
business or as from the twenty-eight day after the date of its incorporation, whichever is earlier, have a
registered office to which all communications and notices may be addressed.
(2) Notice of the situation of the registered office and of any change therein shall be given within twenty-
eight days after the date of the incorporation of the company or of the change, as the case may be, to the
Registrar who shall record the same.
(3) The inclusion in the annual return of a company of the statement as to the address of its registered
office shall not be taken to satisfy the obligation imposed by this section.
(4) If a company carries on business without complying with the requirements of this section, it shall be
liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred taka for every day during which it so carries on business.
78. Publication of name by a limited company - Every limited company-
(a) Shall paint or affix, and keep painted or affixed, in letters easily legible and in Bengali or English
characters, its name in a conspicuous position on the frontside of every office or place in which its business
is carried on:
(b) shall have its name engrave in legible characters on its seal;
(c) shall have its name mentioned in legible Bangali or English characters in all bill-heads, letter papers
and in notices, advertisements and other official publications of the company, and in all bills of exchange,
hundis, promissory notes, endorsements, cheques and orders for money or goods purporting to be singed
by or on behalf of the company, and in all bills of parcels; invoices, receipts and letters credit of the
company.
79. Penalties for non-publication of name - (1) If a limited company maines default in complying with the
provisions of section 78 (a), it shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred taka for everyday during
which the default continues and every officer of the company, who knowingly and willfully authorises or
permits the default, shall be liable to a like penalty.
(2) If any officer of a limited company, or any person on its behalf--
(a) uses or authorises the use of any seal purporting to be a seal of the company whereon its name is not
engraven as required by section 78 (b); or
(b) issues or authorises the issue or any bill-head, letter paper, notice, advertisement or other official
publication of the company, or signs or authorises on be signed on behalf of the company any bill of
exchange hundi, promissory note, endorsement, cheque or order for money or goods, or issues or
authorises to be issued any bill of parcels, invoice, receipt or letter of credit of the company, wherein its
name is not mentioned as required by section 78 (b); he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one
thousand taka, and shall further be personally liable to the holder of any such bill, hundi, promissory note,
cheque or order for the amount thereof, unless the same is duly paid by the company.
80. Publication of authorised as well as subscribed and paid-up capital---(1) Where any notice, advertisement
or other official publication of a company contains a statement of the amount of the authorised capital of the
company, such notice, advertisement or other official publication shall also contain a statement in an equally
prominent position and in equally conspicuous characters of the amount of the capital which has been
subscribed and the amount paid-up.
(2) Any company which makes default in complying with the requirements of this section and every officer of
the company who is knowingly a party to the default shall liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand taka.
Meeting and Proceeding
81. Annual general meeting--(1) Every company shall in each year of the Grogorian calendar hold in addition
to any other meetings a general meeting as its annual general meeting and shall specify the meeting as such in
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the notices calling it; and not more than fifteen months shall elapse between the date of one annual general
meeting of a company and that of the next:
(2) If a company defaults in complying with the provisions of sub-section (1), the Court may, on the
application of any member of the company, call or direct the calling of a general meeting of the company and
give such ancillary or consequential direction as the Court thinks expedient in relation to the calling holding
and conducting of the meeting.
82. Penalty for default in complying with section 81--If default is made in holding a meeting of the
company in accordance with sub- section (1) of section 81, or in complying with any directions of the Court
under sub-section (2) thereof, the company and every officer of the company who is in default, shall be
punishable with fine which may extend to ten thousand taka and in case of a continuing default, with a further
fine which may extend to two hundred fifty taka for every day after the first day during which such default
continues.
83. Statutory meeting and statutory report of company--(1) Every company limited by shares and every
company limited by guarantee and having a share capital shall, within a period of not less than one month and
not more than six months from the date at which the company is entitled to commence business, hold a
general meeting of the members of the company; in this Act such meeting is referred to as "the statuary
meeting".
(2) The Board of Directors shall, in accordance with the other provision of this Act, prepare a report, in
this Act referred to as 'statutory report" and shall at least 21 days before the day on which the statutory
meeting is not be held, forward the report to very member of the company:
Provided that if the report is forwarded later than the time as is required above, it shall notwithstanding that
fact, be deemed to have been duly forwarded if any member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting does not
object to such forwarding.
(3) The statutory reports shall set out the following namely--
(a) the total number of shares allotted, distinguishing the shares allotted as fully or partly paid-up,
otherwise than in cash, and stating in the case of shares partly paid-up, the extent to which they are so paid
up, and in either case, the consideration for which they have been allotted;
(b) the total amount of cash received by the company in respect of all the shares allotted, distinguished
as aforesaid; (c) showing under separate proper headings--
(i) an abstract of receipts of the company and of the payments made thereout up to a date within
seven days prior to the date of the report;
(ii)the receipts of the company from the shares and debentures and other sources, the payments
made thereout and particulars of the concerning balance remaining in hand;
(iii) any commission or discount paid or to be paid on the issue or sale of shares or debentures;
and
(iv) an account or estimate of the preliminary expenses of the company;
84. Calling of extraordinary general meeting on requisitions--(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the
articles, the directors of a company which has a share capital, shall on the requisition of the holders of not less
than one tenth on the issued share capital of the company upon which all calls or other sums then due have
been paid, forthwith proceed to call an extraordinary general meeting of the company, and in the case of a
company not having a share capital the directors thereof shall call such meeting on the requisition of such
members as have, on the date of submitting the requisition, not less than one tenth of the total voting power in
relation to the issues on which the meeting is called.
(2) The requisition must state the objects of the meeting and must be signed by the requisitioned and
deposited at the registered office of the company, and may consist of several documents in like form, each
signed by one or more requisitioned.
(3) If the directors do not, within twenty one days from the date of deposit of the requisition, proceed
duly to call a meeting on a day not later than forty-five days from the date of the deposit of the requisition,
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then the requisitioned, or a majority of them in value, may themselves call the meeting, but any meeting so
called shall be held before the expiration of three months from the date of the deposit of the requisition.
(4) Any meeting called under this section by the requisitionnists shall be called in the same manner, as
nearly as possible, as that in which meetings are to be called by directors.
(5) Any reasonable expenses incurred by the requisitioned by reason of the failure of the directors duly to
call a meeting shall be repaid to the requisitionists by the company, and any sum so repaid shall be retained by
the company, out of any sums due or to become due from the company by way of fees or other remuneration
for their services to such of the directors as were in default.
85. Provision as to meeting and votes---(1) The following provisions shall have effect with respect to meeting
of a company notwithstanding any provisions made in the articles of association of the company in this behalf:
(a) an annual general meeting may be called by fourteen days notice in writing, and a meeting other than
an annual general meeting or a meeting for the passing of a special resolution may be called by twenty one
day's notice in writing: Provided that a meeting may be called by shorter notice than aforesaid, if it is so
agreed in writing--
(i) in the case of an annual general meeting, by all the members entitled to attend and vote
thereat; and
(ii) in the case of any other meeting by the members of the company holding, if the company has
a share capital not less than 95 percent of such part of the paid-up share capital of the company as
gives a right to vote at the meeting, or having if the company has no share capital, not less than 95
percent of the total voting power exercisable at the meeting;
86. Representation of companies at meetings of other companies of which they are members-- A
company which is a member of another company may, by resolution of the directors, authorise any of its
official or any other person to act as its representative at any meeting of that other company, and the person so
authorised shall be entitled to exercise the same powers on behalf of the company which he represents as if he
were an individual shareholder of that other company.
87. Extraordinary and special resolution—
88. (1) A resolution shall be a extraordinary resolution when it has been passed by a majority of not less
than three fourths of such members entitled to vote as are present in person or by proxy, where proxies are
allowed, at a general meeting of which notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as an
extraordinary resolution has been duly give.
(2) A resolution shall be a special resolution when it has been passed by such a majority as is required for
the passing of an extraordinary resolution and at a general meeting of which not less than twenty-one day's
notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution as a special resolution has been duly given;
Provided that, if all the members entitled to attend and vote at any such meeting so agree, a resolution may be
proposed and passed as a special resolution at a meeting of which less than twenty-one day's notice has been
given.
(3) At any meeting at which an extraordinary resolution or a special resolution is submitted to be passed a
declaration of the chairman on a show of hands that the resolution is carried shall, unless a poll is demanded,
be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour
of or against the resolution.
(4) At any meeting at which an extraordinary resolution or a special resolution is submitted to be passed a
poll may be demanded.
(5) Where a poll is demanded, the poll may in accordance with the articles, be taken in such manner as
the chairman may direct; and if the chairman so directs it be taken at the meeting at which it is demanded.
(6) Where a poll is demanded in accordance with this section, in computing the majority on the poll,
reference shall be had to the number of votes top which each member is entitled by the articles of the
company or under this Act.
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(7) For the purposes of this section, notice of a meeting shall be deemed to be duly given and the meeting
to be duly held when the notice is given and the meeting held in manner prescribed by the articles or under
this Act.
88. Registration and copies of special and extraordinary resolution:--(1) A copy of every special and
extraordinary resolution shall, within fifteen days from the passing thereof, be printed or typewritten and
duly certified under the signature of an officer of the company and filed with the Registrar who shall record
the same.
(2) Where articles have been registered, a copy of every special resolution for the time being in force
shall be embodied in or annexed to every copy of the articles issued after the date of the resolution.
(3) Where articles have not been registered, a copy of every special resolution shall be forwarded in print
to any member at his requiest on payment of fifty taka or such less sum as the company may direct.
(4) If a company makes defalt in so filing with the registar copy of a special or extraordinary resolution it
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred taka for every day during which the default continues.
(5) If a company makes default in embodying in complying with the provisions of sub-section (2) or (3) it
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty taka for each copy in respect of which default is made.
(6) Every officer of a company, who knowingly and wilfully authorise or permits any default by the
company in complying with the requirement its of this section, shall be liable to the like penalty as is imposed
by this section on the company for that default.
89. Minutes of proceedings of general meeting and of its directors--(1) Every company shall cause minutes of
all proceedings of general meeting and meetings of its directors to be entered in books kept for that purpose.
(2) Any such minute, if purporting to be signed by the chairman of the meeting at which the proceedings
were had. or by the chairman of the next succeeding meeting shall be evidence of the proceedings.
(3) Until the contrary is proved--
(a) A general meeting of the company or a meeting of its directors, in respect of the proceedings
of which minutes have been made, shall be deemed to have been duly called and held: and
(b) the proceedings of such meeting shall be deemed to have been held as described in the
minutes and the appointments of directors or liquidators at such meeting shall be deemed to be valid:
(4) The books containing the minutes of proceedings of any general meeting of a company shall be kept
at the registered office of the company and shall during business hours a subject to such reasonable
restrictions as the company may by its article or in general meeting impose so that no less than two hours
in each day be allowed for inspection be open to the inspection of any member without charge.
(5) Any member shall at any time after fourteen days from the meeting, be entitled to be furnished within
seven days after he has made a request in that behalf to the company with a copy of any minutes referred to
in subsection (4) at a change not exceeding ten taka for every hundred words.
(6) If any inspection required under sub-section (4) is refused, on if any copy required under sub-section
(5), is not furnished within the time specified in sub-section (5), the company and every officer of the
company who is knowingly and wilfully in default or who authorises or permits default shall be liable in
respect of each offence to a fine not exceeding taka one hundred and to a further fine not exceeding one
hundred taka for every day during which the default continues.
(7) In the case of any such refusal or default the Registrar may by order compel an immediate inspection
of the books in respect of all proceedings of general meeting or direct that the copies required shall be sent
to the person requiring them.
Directors
90. Directors obligatory - (1) Every public company and a private company which is a subsidiary of a public
company shall have at least three directors.
(2) Every private company other than a private company mentioned in sub-section (1) shall have at least
two directors;
(3) Only a natural person may be appointed a director.
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91. Appointment of directors: - (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the articles of a company--
(a) the subscribers of the memorandum shall be deemed to be the directors of the company until
the first director are appointed.
(b) the directors of the company shall be elected by the members from among their number in
general meeting; and
(c) any casual vacancy occurring among the directors may be filled in by the other directors but
the person the appointed shall be a person qualified to be elected a director under clause (b) and
shall be subject to retirement at the same time as if he had become a director on the day on which
the director in whose place he is appointed was last appointed a director.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the articles of a company other than a private company not less
than one third of the whole number of directors shall be persons whose period of office is liable to
determination at any time by retirement of directors rotation.
92. Restrictions on appointment or advertisement of director - (1) A person shall not be capable of being
appointed director of a company by the articles and shall not be named as a director or proposed director of a
company in any prospectus issued by or on behalf of the company or in relation to any intended company or in
any statement in lieu of prospectus filed by or on behalf of a company unless before the registration of the
articles or the publication of the prospectus, or the filing of he statement in lieu of prospectus, as the case may
be, he has by himself or by his agent authorised in writing -
(a) signed and filed with the Registrar a consent in writing to act as such
director; and (b) in the case of companies having a share capital -
(i) signed the memorandum for a number of shares not less than his qualification shares; or
(ii) taken from the company and paid or agreed to pay for his qualification shares; or
(iii) signed and filed with the registrar a contract in writing to take form the company and pay for
his qualification shares; or
(iv) made and filed with the Registrar any affidavit to the effect that a numbert of shares not less
than his qualifications share are registered in his name.
(2) On the application for registration of the memorandum and article, if any, of a company, the applicant shall
file with the Registrar a list of the persons who have consented to be directors of the company, and, if this list
contains the name of any person who has not so consented, the applicant shall be liable to fine not exceeding
two thousand taka:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to the appointment of the chief executive, by whatever name
called, of any insurance company or a banking company as a director of that company if the article; thereof
provides for such appointment.
93. Consent of candidate for directorship - (1) Every person, proposed as a candidate for the office of a
director shall sign, and file with the company, his consent in writing to act as a director, if appointed.
(2) A person shall not act as a director of the company unless he has, within thirty days of his appointment,
signed and field with the Registrar his consent in writing to act as such director.
94. Disqualifications of directors - (1) A person shall not be capable of being appointed director of a company,
if -
(a) he has been found to be of unsound mind by a competent court and the finding is in force; or
(b) he is an undischarged insolvent; or
(c) he has applied to be adjudicated as an insolvent and his application is pending; or
(d) he has not paid any call in repect of shares of the company held by him, whether alone or
jointly with others, and six months have elapsed from the last day fixed for the payment of the call;
or (e) he is a minor.
(2) A company may in its articles provide additional grounds for disqualification of a director.
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95. Notice of meetings:--Notice of every meeting of the Board of Directors of a company shall be given
in writing to every director for the time being in Bangladesh and at his address in Bangladesh.
96. Meeting of Board:--In the case of every company a meeting of its Board of Directors shall be held at
least once in every three and at least four such meetings shall be held in every year.
97. Qualification of Director:--(1) Without prejudice tot he restrictions imposed by section 92, it shall be
the duty of every director to hold qualification share to be specified in the articles and, if he is not already
qualified, he shall obtain his qualification within sixty days after his appointment, or such shorter time as may
be fixed by the articles.
(2) If, after the expiration of the period mentioned in sub-section (1) any unqualified person acts as a director
of the company, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred taka for every day between the
expiration of the said period and the last day on which it is proved that he acted as a director (both days
inclusive).
98. Validity of act of director:--The acts of a director shall be valid notwithstanding any defect that may
afterwards be discovered in his appointment of qualification:
Provided that nothing in this section shall be deemed to give validity to act done by a director after the
appointments of such director has been shown to be invalid.
99. Ineligibility of brankrupt to act as director:--(1) If any person being an undischarged insolvent acts as
director or managing agent or manager of any company, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding two years or to a fine not exceeding five thousand taka or to both.
(2) In this section the expression "company" includes a company incorportated outside Bangladesh which has
an established place of business within Bangladesh.
100. Probitition on assignment of office by director:-- Any assignment of his office made after the
commencement of this Act by any director shall void and shall be of no effect.
101. Appointment and terms and office of alternate directors-- (1) The Board of Directors of a company
may, if so authorised by its articles or by a resolution passed by the company in general meeting, appoint an
alternate director, to act for a director hereinafter in this section called the original director during his absence
for a continuous period of not less than three months from Bangladesh.
(2) An alternate director appointed under sub-section (1) shall not hold office as such for a period longer
than that permissible to the original director in whose place he has been appointed and shall vacate the office,
immediately after he receives information that the original director has returned to Bangladesh.
(3) If the term of office of the original director is determined before he so returns to Bangladesh any
provision for automatic reappointment of retiring directors in default of another appointment shall apply to the
original and not to the alternate director.
102. Avoidance of provisions relieving liability of directors:--Save as provided in this section, any provision,
whether contained in the articles of a company or in any contract with a company or otherwise, hereafter in
this section referred to as the said provision, for exempting any director, manager or officer of the company or
any person, whether an officer of the company or not, employed by the company as auditor from, or for
indemnifying him against, any liability which by virtue of any rule of law would otherwise attach to him in
respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust of which he may be guilty in relation to
the company shall be void;
Provided that--
(a) nothing in this section shall operate to deprive any person of any exemption or right to be indemnified
in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him while the said provision was in force before the
commencement of this Act; and
(b) a company may, in pursuance of the said provision indemnify any such director, manager, officer or
auditor against any liability incurred by him in defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which
judgement is given in his favour or in which he is acquitted or in connection with any application under
section 3 of this Act in which relief is granted to him by the Court.
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103. Loan of Director--(1) No company, hereinafter in this section referred top as the lending company, shall
make any loan or give any guarantee or provide any security in connection with a loan made by a third party
to--
(a) any director of the lending company
(b) any firm in which any director of the lending company is a partner;
(c) any private company of which any director of the lending company is a director or member;
or
(d) any public company, the managing agent manager or director where of is accustomed to act in
accordance with the directions or instruction of any director of the lending company:
Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to the making of a loan or giving of any guarantee or
providing any security by a lending company. if--
(i) such company is a banking company or a private company not being a subsidiary of a public
company, or if such company as a holding company makes the loan or gives the guarantee or provide
the security to its subsidiary; and
(ii) the loan is sanctioned by the Board of Directors of any company and approved by the general
meeting and, in the balance sheet, there is a specific mention of the loan, guarantee or security, as the
case may be:
Provided further that, in no case the total amount of the loan shall exceed 50% of the paid up value of the
shares held by such director in his own name
(2) In the event of any contravention of sub-section (1) every person who is a party to such contravention
including in particular any person to whom a loan is made or on whose behalf a guarantee is given to or
security provided shall be punishable with the fine which extend to five thousand taka or simple imprisonment
for six months in lieu of fine and shall be liable jointly and severally to the lending company for the
repayment of such loan or for making good any sum which the lending company may be called up to pay
under the guarantee given or security provided by the lending company.
(3) this section shall apply to any transaction represented by a book debt which was from its inception in
the nature of a loan or an advance.
104. Director not to hold office of profit--No director or firm of which such director is a partner of private
company of which such director is a Director shall, without the consent of the company in general meeting,
hold any office of profit under the company except that of a managing director or manager or a legal or
technical adviser or a banker.
Explanation:--For the purpose of this section, the office of managing agent shall not be deemed to be an office
of profit under the company.
105. Sanction of Directors necessary for certain contracts--Except with the consent of the directors, a
director of the company, or the firm of which he is a partner or any partner of such firm or the private
company of which he is a member or director, shall not erter into any contract for the sale, purchase or supply
of goods and materials with the company.
106. Removal of directors--(1) The company may be extraordinary resolution remove any share-holder
director before the expiration of his period of office and may by ordinary resolution appoint another person in
his stead and the person so appointed shall be subject to retirement at the same time as if he had become a
director on the day on which the director in whose place he is appointed was last elected director.
(2) A director so removed shall not be re-appointed a director by the Board of Directors.
107. Restrictions on power of directors--The directors of a company or of a subsidiary company of
a public company shall not, except with the consent of the company concerned in general meeting-- (a)
sell or dispose of the undertaking of the company; and (b) remit any debt due by a director.
108. Vacation of office of director--(1) The office of a director shall be vacant, if--
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(a) he fails to obtain within the time specified in section 97 (1) or at any time thereafter ceases to hold,
the qualifications--hares, if any, necessary for his appointment; or (b) he is found to be of unsound
mind by a competent court; or
(c) he is adjudged an insolvent; or
(d) he fails to pay calls made on him in respect of shares held by him within six months from the
date of such calls being made; or
(2) A company may provide by its articles that the office of director shall be vacated on grounds additional to
those specified in sub-section (1).
109. Restriction on Managing Director---(1) No public company and no private company which is a subsidiary
of public company shall, after the commencement of this Act, appoint any person as managing director, if he
is a managing director or manager of an other company.
Provided the no appointment under this section shall be made without the consent of the company in a general
meeting.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) the government may, by order, permit any person
to be appointed as a managing director of more than two companies if the government is satisfied that it is
necessary that the companies should, for their proper working, function as a single unit and have a common
managing director.
110. Managing director not to be appointed for more than five years at a time.--(1) No company shall, after the
commencement of this Act, appoint or employ any individual as its managing director for a term exceeding
five years at a time.
(2) Any individual holding, at the commencement of this Act, the office of the managing director in a
company shall, unless his term expires earlier, be deemed to have vacated his office immediately on the
expiry of five years from the commencement of this Act.
(3) Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to prohibit the re-employment or the extension
of the term of office of any person as managing director for a further period not exceeding five years on each
occasion.
Provided that no such re-appointment, re-employment or extension of term of office shall be made without the
consent of the company in general meeting. Compensation for Loss of Office
111. Compensation for loss of office not permissible to managing or whole time directors or directors who are
managers.--(1) Payment may be made by a company, except in the cases specified in sub-section (3) and
subject to the limit specified in sub-section (4), to a managing director, or a director holding the office of
manager or in the whole time employment of the company, by way of compensation for loss of office or as
consideration for retirement from office, or in connection with such loss or retirement.
(2) No payment mentioned in sub-section (1) shall be made by the company to any other director.
(3) No payment shall be made to a managing or other director in pursuance of sub-section (1) in the
following cases namely:--
(a) where the director resigns his office in view of the reconstruction of the company, or of its
amalgamation with any other body corporate or bodies corporate, and is appointed as the managing
director, managing agent, manager or other officer of the reconstructed company or of the body
corporate resulting from the amalgamation;
(b) where the director regigns his office otherwise than on the reconstruction of the company or
its amalgamation as aforesaid.
(c) where the office of the director is vacated by virtue of any provision of this;
(d) where the company is being wound up, whether by or subject to the supervision of the Court
or voluntarily., Provided the winding up was due to the negligence or default of the director;
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(e) where the director has been guilty of fraud or breach of trust in relation to, or of gross
negligence in, or gross mismanagement of, the conduct of the affairs of the company or any
subsidiary or holding company thereof;
(f) where the director has instigated, or has taken part directly or indirectly in bringing about, the
termination of his office.
112. Payment to director, etc. for loss of office, etc. in connection with transfer of undertaking or property.--
(1) No Director of a company shall, in connection with the transfer of the whole or any part of any
undertaking or property of the company, receive any payment, by way of compensation for loss of office, or
as consideration for retirement from office, or in connection with such loss or retirement from the transferee of
such undertaking or property or from any other person, unless particulars with respect to the payment
proposed to be made by such transferee or person, including the amount thereof, have been disclosed to the
members of the company and the proposal has been approve by the company in general meeting.
(2)Where a director of a company receives payment of any amount in contravention of sub-section (1), the
amount shall be deemed to have been received by him in trust for the company.
(3) Sub-sections (1) and (2) shall not affect in any manner the operation of section 111.
113. Payment to director for loss of office etc. in connection with transfer of shares.--(1) Where in connection
with the transfer to any persons of all or any of the shares in a company, being a transfer resulting from-- (i)
an offer made to the general body of shareholders:
(ii) an offer by or on behalf of some other body corporate with a view to the company becoming a
subsidiary of such body corporate or a subsidiary of its holding company;
(iii) an offer made by or on behalf of an individual with a view to his obtaining the right to
exercise, or control the exercise, of not less than one-third of the total voting power at any general
meeting of the company; or
(iv) any other offer which is conditional on acceptance to a given extent; and as a result of such
transfer a director of the company losses his office or retires therefrom he shall not receive any
payment by way of compensation for loss of office, or as consideration for retirement from office or in
connection with such loss of retirement from the company of the transferee or from any other person.
Provided that on fulfilment of the requirements of the other provisions of this section, such director may
receive such payment from the said transferee or other person.
(2) In the case referred to the proviso to sub-section (1) it shall be the duty of the director concerned to
take all reasonable steps to secure that particulars with respect tot he payment proposed to be made by the
transferee or other person including the amount thereof are included in or sent with the notice required to
sent under section 112(2) to shareholders.
(3) If -
(a) any such director fails to take reasonable step in pursuance of sub section (2); or
(b) any person who has been properly required by any such director to include the particulars referred to
in subsection (2), in such notice or to send them with such notice. he shall be punishable with fine which
may extend to five hundred taka.
(4) For the purpose of approving any payment referred to in the proviso to sub-section (1), the company
shall call a meeting of the shareholders who were such holders on the date of the offer referred to that sub-
section and also of the holders of the shares of the same class, in this meeting the person making the said
offer or his nominee, and if the offerer is a company the nominee of such company or of any of its
subsidiary shall not be called; and if the payment is approved in the meeting the director shall be entitled to
receive it.
(5) If, at a meeting called for the purpose of approving any payment as required by sub-section (4), a
quorum is not present and, after the meeting has been adjourned to a later date, a quorum is again not
present, the payment shall, for the purpose of that sub-section, be deemed to have been approved.
(6) If -
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(a) the concerned director fails to comply with the requirements of subsection (2); or
(b) the said director receives the payment referred to in the proviso to sub-section (1). before it is
approved under sub-section (4). the payment shall be deemed to have been received by him in trust for any
persons who have sold their shares as a result of the aforesaid offer, and the expenses incurred by him in
distributing that sum amongst those persons shall be borne by him.
114. Provisions supplementary to section 111, 112 and 113.--(1) Where in proceedings for the recovery of any
payment as having, by virtue of sub-section (2) of section 112 or sub-section (4) of section 113 been received
by any person in trust, it is proved that--
(a) the payment was made in pursuance of any arrangement entered into as part of the agreement
for the transfer in question. or within one year before, or within two years after, that agreement or the
offer leading thereto; and
(b) the company or any person to whom the transfer was made privy to that arrangement. The
payment shall be deemed, except on so far as the contrary is shown, to be on one to which that
provision applies.
(2) If, in connection with any such transfer as is mentioned in section 112 or in section 113--
(a) the price to be paid to a director of the company whose office is to be abolished or who is to retire
from office, for any shares in the company held by him is in excess of the price which could, at the time,
have been obtained by other holders of the like shares; or
(b) any valuable consideration is given to any such director. the excess or the money value of the
consideration, as the case may be shall, for the purposes of that section, be deemed to have been a
payment. made to him by way of compensation for loss of office, or as consideration for retirement from
office, or in connection with such loss or retirement.
(3) References in sections 111, 112 and 113 to payments made to any director of a company by way of
compensation for loss of office, or as consideration for retirement from office, or in connection with such
loss or retirement do not include any bonafide payment by way of damages for breach of contract or by
way of pension in respect of past services, and for the purposes of this sub-section, the expression
"pension" includes any superannuation allowance, superannuation gratuity or similar payment.
(4) Nothing in section 112 and 113 shall be taken to prejudice the operation of any rule of law requiring
disclosure to be made with respect to any such payments as are therein mentioned or with respect to any
other like payments made or to be made to the directors of a company.
115. Register of directors, managers and managing agents--(1) Every company shall keep at its registered
office a register of its directors, manager and managing agents containing with respect to each of them the
following particulars, that is to say--
(a) in the case of an individual, his present name in full, any former name or surname in full, his
usual residential address, his nationality and, if that nationality is not the nationality of origin, his
nationality of origin and his business, occupation, if any, and if he holds any other directorship or
directorships the particulars of such directorship or directorships;
(b) in the case of a body corporate its corporate name and registered or principal office, and the
full name address and nationality of each of its directors; and
(c) in the case of a firm, the full name, address and nationality of each partner, and the date on
which each became a partner.
(2) The company shall within the periods specified below send to the Registrar a return in the prescribed
form containing the particulars specified in the said register and a notification in the prescribed form of any
change among its directors, managers or managing agents or in any of the particulars contained in the
register--
(a) in the case of the particulars specified in sub-section (1), within a period of fourteen days
from the appointment of the first directors of the company;
(b) in the case of any change in such particulars, within a period of fourteen days from the day
change takes place.
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(3) The register to be kept under this section shall, during business hours and subject to such reasonable
restriction, as the company may by its articles or in general meeting impose so that not less than two hours in
each day be allowed for inspection, be open to the inspection of any member of the company without charge
and of any person on payment of ten taka or such less sum as the company may impose for each inspection.
(4) If any inspection required under this section is refused or if default is made in complying with sub-
section (1) or (2) of this section, the company and every officer of the company who is knowingly and
wilfully in default shall be liable to a fine of five hundred taka.
(5) In the case of any such refusal, the Court, on application made by the person to whom inspection has
been refused and upon notice to the company, may, by order, direct an immediate inspection of the register.
MANAGING AGENT
116. Duration of appointment of managing agent.--(1) No managing agent shall, after, the commencement of
this Act, be appointed to hold office for a term of more than ten years at a time and no managing agent shall
hold office for more than twenty years.
(2). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the articles of a company or in any agreement with
the company, a managing agent of a company appointed before the commencement of this Act shall not
continue to hold office after the expiry of ten years from such commencement unless than reappointed thereto.
(3) A managing agent whose office is terminated by virtue of the provisions of sub-section (2) shall,
upon such termination, be entitled to a charge upon the assets of the company by way of indemnity for all
liabilities or obligations property incurred by the managing agent on behalf of the company subject to
existing charges and encumbrances, if any.
(4) The termination of the office of a managing agent by virtue of the provisions of sub-section (2) shall
not take effect until all moneys payable to the managing agent for loans made to or remuneration due up to
date of such termination from company are paid.
(5) Nothing in this section shall apply to a private company which is not the subsidiary company of a
public company.
117. Conditions applicable to managing agents.--Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the
articles of the company or in any agreement with the company.
(a) a company may, by resolution passed at a general meeting of which notice has been given to the
managing agent in the same managers as to members of the company, remove a managing agent if he is
convicted of an offence in relation to the affairs of the company and the offence is non-bailable within the
meaning of the provisions of the code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898):
Provided that where the managing agent is a firm or company and offence committed by a member of such
firm or a director or an officer holding a general power of attorney from such company shall be deemed to be
an offence committed by such firm or company:
Provided further that a managing agent shall not be liable to be removed under the provisions thereof if the
offending member, director or officer as aforesaid is expelled or dismissed by the managing agent within
thirty days from the date of his conviction or if his conviction is set aside, on appea;
(b) the office of a Managing agent shall be deemed to be vacant if he is adjudged insolvent;
(c) a transfer of his office by a managing agent is a firm, a change in the partners thereof shall not be
deemed to operate as a transfer of the office of managing agent, so long as one of the original partners shall
continue to be a partner of the managing agent's firm;
(d) a charge or assignment of his remuneration of any part thereof effected by a managing agent shall be
void as against the company:
(e) if a company is wounded up either by the Court or voluntarily, any contract of management made
with a managing agent shall be thereupon determined without prejudice, however, to the right of the
managing agent to recover any moneys recoverable by the managing agent from the company:
Provided that where the Court finds that the winding up is due to the negligence or default of the managing
agent himself, the managing agent shall not be entitled to receive any compensation for the premature
termination of his contract of management; and
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(f) the appointment of a managing agent, the removal of managing agent and variation of a managing
agent's contract of management shall not be valied unless approved by the company by a resolution at a
general meeting of the company notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 104:
Provided that nothing contained shall apply to the appointment of a company's firs agent made prior to the
issue of the prospectus or statement in lieu of prospectus where the terms of the appointment of such
managing agent are set forth therein.
118. Investigation of managing agents, etc.--(1) If the Government has reason to believe that the managing
agent of a public company--
(a) has, in connection with the conduct or management of the affairs of the company, been guilty of
fraud, misfeasance or breach of trust: or
(b) has been conduction the affairs of the company for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose; or
(c) has so conducted or managed the affairs of the company as to deprive the shareholders thereof of a
reasonable return on their investment; the Government may, after giving the managing agent an
opportunity of being heard, appoint and investigator to enquire into the affairs of the company and to
report on the conduct of the managing agent in such manner and within such period as the Government
may direct.
Explanation.---The shareholders of a company shall be deemed to have been deprived of a reasonable return
on their investment if, having regard to enterprises similarly placed for a continuous period of three years.
(2) The investigator appointed under sub-section (1)--
(a) may, at any time, for the purpose of making any enquiry which he considers necessary, enter the
premises of the company or the office of the managing agent and may call for and inspect the books of
accounts or documents in the possession of the company or managing agent and may seal or take into custody
any books of accounts or documents for so long as may be necessary;
(b) shall have the same powers as are vested in a Court when trying a suit under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:--
(i) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any director or officer of the company or of the
managing agent and examining him on oath or affirmation;
(ii) compelling the production of any books of accounts or documents; and
(iii) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses;
(3)Any proceeding before the investigator shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the
meaning of sections 193 and 228 or the Penal Code (Act XLV of 1860).
(4)If the Government after considering the report submitted under subsection (1), is of opinion that it is
necessary to do so in the interest of the efficient management of the affairs of the company, the
Government may, without prejudice to any other action that may be taken under this Act or any other law,
by order in writing--
(a) modify the terms of the managing agent's agreement of management with the company.
(b) require the managing agent to carry out such changes in the management or accounting
procedures, within such time, as may be specified in the order; or
(c) remove from office the managing agent or the director of the company nominated by the
managing agent, or both the managing agent or the director so nominated:
Provided that before taking any action under this sub-section, the managing agent shall be given an
opportunity of presenting his case as to the proposed action.
(5) A managing agent or director removed from office under sub-section (4), shall not be entitled to or be
paid any compensation or damages for loss or termination of office.
(6) A managing agent of a company who is removed from office under sub-section (4) shall not be
appointed to such office of that company until after the expiration of a period of five years from the date
of such removal.
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(7) Where the managing agent removed from office under sub-section (4) is firm or a company, no
partner of such firm and no director or officer holding a general power of attorney from such company
shall hold the office of a director or any other office connected with the conduct or management or the
affairs of the company of which it was managing agent, until after the expiration of a period of five years
from the date of such removal.
(8)Where the managing agent of a company is removed from office under sub-section (4), the
Government may by order in writing, appoint an Administrator, hereinafter referred to as the
Administrator, to manage the affairs of the company subject to such terms and conditions as many be
specified in the order.
(9) The Administrator shall receive such remuneration as the Government may determine.
(10)Themanagement of the affairs of the company shall, on and from the date of appointment of the
Administrator, vest in him.
(11)Where it appears to the Administrator that any purchase, sales or agency contract has been centered
into, or any employment given to benefit the managing agent or his nominees and to the detriment of the
interest of general shareholders, the Administrator may, with the previous approval writing of the
Government, terminate such contract or employment.
(12)No person shall be entitled to or be paid any compensation or damages for the termination of any
contract or employment under sub-section(11).
(13)Ifat any time it appears to the Government that the purpose of the order appointing the Administrator
has been fulfilled, it may permit the company to appoint another person to the office of managing agent,
and on the appointment of new managing agent, the Administrator shall cease to hold office.
(14)Saveas provided in sub-section (15), no suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against
the Administrator personally for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done by him in
pursuance of this section or of any rules made thereunder, and anything so done shall be deemed to have
been done by the company.
(15)Any person aggrieved by any order of the Government under sub-section (4) or of the Administrator
under sub-section
(11) may, within sixty days from the date of the order, appeal against such order to the High Court Division.
(16) If
any person fails, without reasonable cause, to furnish any books of accounts or documents called
for under clause (a) of sub-section (2) or to comply with any order under clause (a) of clause (b) sub-
section (4) or contravenes the provisions of sub-section (6) or sub-section (7) the Government may, by
order in writing, direct that such person shall pay by way of penalty a sum which may extend to ten
thousand taka, and in the case of continuing failure or contraception, a further sum which may extend to
one thousand taka for every day after the first day during which the failure or contraception continues.
(17) The Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, direct that any power conferred upon it
by this section shall, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the direction, be exercisable
also by such person or authority as may be so specified.
(18) The Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, make rules to carry out the purpose of
this section.
(19) The provisions of this section shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in any other
provision of this Act or any other law, contract, or the memorandum or articles of a company.
119. Remuneration of managing agent.--(1) Where a company appoints a managing agent, it shall, in the
documents of appointment specify the following---
(a) the remuneration of the managing agent which shall be a sum based on fixed percentage of
the net annual profits of the company; and
(b) a minimum payment, in the case of absence or inadequacy of profits, together with office
allowance.
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(2) Any stipulation for remuneration additional to, or in any form other than, the remuneration specified
in sub-section (1) shall not be binding on the company unless sanctioned by a special resolution of the
company.
(3) For the purpose of this section net profits' means the profits of the company calculated after allowing
for all the usual working charges, interest on loans and advances, repairs and outgoing, depreciation, bounties,
depreciation, bounties or subsidies received from Government or from a public statutory body profits by way
of premium of the whole or part of the undertaking of the company, but without any deduction in respect of
income-tax or super-tax, or any other tax or duty on income or for expenditure by way of intersection
debentures or otherwise on capital account or on account of any sum which may be set aside in each year to of
the profits for reserve of any other special fund.
(4) This section shall not apply to a private company except a private company which is the subsidary
company of a public company or to any company whose principal business is the business of insurance.
120. Loans to managing agents.--(1) No company shall make to managing agent of the company or to any
partner of the firm if the managing agent is a firm or to any member of director of the private company if the
managing agent is a private company any loan out of moneys of the company or guarantee any loan made to a
managing agent.
(2) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to any credit held by a managing agent in current
account by the company with the managing agent for the purpose of the business of the company:
Provided that the Board of Directors may specify the limit of such credit.
(3) In the event of any contraception of sub-section (1) any director of the company who is a party to the
making of the loan or giving of the guarantee shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand
taka and, if default is made in repayment of the loan or discharging the guarantee, shall be liable jointly and
severally for the amount unpaid.
(4) Nothing in this section shall apply to a private company except a private company which is the
subsidiary of a public company.
(5) Except with the consent of three-fourths of the directors present and entitled to vote on the resolution,
a managing agent of the company, or the firm of which he is a partner, or any partner of such firm or, if the
managing agent is a private company a member or director thereof, shall not enter into any contract for the
sale, purchase or supply for goods and materials with the company.
121. Loans to or by companies under the same management.--(1) No company incorporated under this Act
which is under the management of a managing agent shall make any loan to or guarantee any loan made the
any company under management of the same managing agent:
Provided that nothing herein contained shall apply to loans made or guarantees given by a company to or on
behalf of a company under its own management or loans made by or to a company to or by a subsidiary
thereof or to guarantees given by a company on behalf of a subsidiary thereof.
(2) In the event of any contraception of the provisions of this section, any director or officer of the company
making the loan or giving the guarantee, who is knowingly and wilfully in default, shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding five thousand taka and shall jointly and severally be liable for any loss incurred by the company in
respect such of loan or guarantee.
122. Purchase by company of shares of company under same managing agent.-- A company other than an
investment company, that is to say, a company whose principal business the acquisition and holding of
shares, stocks, debentures or other securities, shall not purchase shares or debentures of any company under
management by the same managing agent, unless the purchase as been previously approved by unanimous
decision of the Board of Directors of the purchasing company.
123. Restriction on managing agent's powers of management.-- A managing agent shall not exercise, in
respect of any company of which he is a managing agent, a power to issue debentures or, except with the
authority of the directors and within the limits fixed by them, a power to invest the funds of the company and
any delegation of any such powers by a company to a managing agent shall be void.
124. Managing agent not to engage in business competing with the business of managed company. -- A
managing agent shall not on his own account an engage in any business which is of the same nature as and
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directly competes with the business carried on by a company under his management or by a subsidiary
company of such company.
125. Limit on number of director appointed by managing agent.--- Notwithstanding anything contained in
the articles of a company other than a private company, the directors appointed by the managing agent shall
not exceed in number onethird of the whole number of directors.
CONTRACTS
126. Validity of written and unwritten contracts.--(1) Contracts on behalf of a company may be made as
follows, that is to say--
(i) any written contract which, if made between individual, would be by law required to be in writing, signed
by the parties to be charged therewith, may be made on behalf of the company in writing signed by any person
acting under its authority, express or implied, and may in the same manner be varied or discharged; and
(2) All contract made according to this section shall be effectual in law and shall bind the company and its
successors and all other parties thereto, their heirs, of legal representatives, as the case may be.
127. Bills of exchange and promissory note.--A bill of exchange, hundi or promissory note shall be deemed
to have been made, drawn, accepted or endorsed on behalf of a company if made, drawn, accepted or
endorsed in the name of, or on behalf or on account of, the company by any person acting under its authority
express or implied.
128. Execution of deeds.-- A company may, by writing under its common seal empower any person, either
generally or in respect of any specified matters, as its attorney to execute deeds on its behalf in any place,
either in or outside Bangladesh; and every deed signed by such attorney, on behalf of the company and under
his seal, where sealing is required, shall bind the company and have the same effect as if it were under its
common seal.
129. Power of company to have official seal for use abroad.--(1) A company whose objects require or
comprise the transaction of business beyond the limits of Bangladesh may, if authorised buy its articles, have
for use in any territory, district or place not situated in Bangladesh, an official seal which shall be a facsimile
of the common seal of the company with the addition on its face of the name of every territory, district of
place where it is to be used.
(2) A company having such an official seal may, by writing under its common seal, authorise any person
appointed for the purpose in any territory, district or place not situated in Bangladesh to affix the same to any
deed or other document to which the company is party in that territory, district or place and such person shall
be the agent for purpose of using the said seal.
(3) The authority of any such agent shall, as between the company and any person dealing with the agent,
continue during the period, if any, mentioned in the instrument conferring the authority, or if no period is
there mentioned, then until notice of the revocation or determination of the agent's authority has been given to
the person dealing with him.
(4) The person affixing any such official seal shall, by writing under his hand, on the deed or other
document to which the seal is affixed, certify the date and also the territory, district or place or affixing the
same.
(5) A deed or other document to which an official seal is duly affixed shall bind the company as if it had
been sealed with the common seal of the company.
130. Disclosure of interest by director in respect of contract etc.-- (1) Every director who is directly or
indirectly concerned or interested in any contract or arrangement entered into by or on behalf of the company
shall disclose the nature of his interest at the meeting of the directors at which the contract or arrangement is
determined on, of his interest then exists, or, in any other case, at the first meeting of the directors after the
acquisition of his interest or the making of the contract or arrangement:
(2) Every director who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding five thousand taka.
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(3) A register shall be kept by the company in which shall be entered particulars of all contracts or
arrangements to which sub-section (1) applies, and which shall be open to inspection by any member of the
company at the registered office off the company during business hours.
(4) Eery officer of the company who knowingly and willfully acts in contravention of the provisions of
sub-section (2) shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand taka.
131. Prohibition of voting by interested director.--(1) No director shall, as a director, vote on any contract or
arrangement in which he is either directly or indirectly concerned or interested, nor shall his presence count
for the purpose of forming a quorum at the time of any such vote, and if he does so vote, his vote shall not be
counted:
Provided that the directors or them may vote on any contract of indemnity against any loss which they or any
one or more of them may suffer by reason of becoming or being sureties or surety for the company.
(2) Every director who contravences the provision of sub-section (1) shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding five thousand taka.
(3) This section shall not apply to a private company:
Provided that where a private company is subsidiary company of a public company, this section shall apply to
all contracts or arrangements made on behalf of the subsidiary company with any person other than the
holding company.
132. Disclosure to members in case or contract appointing a manager.--(1) Where a company enters into a
contract for the appointment of a manager or managing agent or the company in which contract any director
of the company is directly of indirectly concerned or interested, or varies any such existing contract, the
company shall, within twenty-one days from the date or entering into the contract or the verying of the
contract, send an abstract of the terms of such contract or variation, as the case may be together with a
memorandum clearly indicating the nature of the interest of the director in such contract, or in such variation,
to every member; and the contract shall be open to inspection of any member at the registered office of the
company.
(2) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of sub-section (1), it shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding five thousand taka; and every officer of the company, who is knowingly and willfully in
default, shall be liable to the like penalty.
133. Contracts by agents of company in which company is undisclosed principal.---(1) Every manger or other
agent of a company other than a private company, not being the subsidiary company of a public company,
who centers into a contract for or on behalf of the company in which contract the company is an undisclosed
principal shall, at the time of entering into the contract, make, a memorandum in writing of the contract, and
specify therein the person with whom it has been made.
(2) Every such manager or other agent shall forthwith deliver the memorandum aforesaid to the
registered office of company and send copies to the directors, and such memorandum shall be filed in
the office of the company and laid before the directors at the next directors meeting.
(3) If any such manager or other agent makes default in complying with the requirements of this
section-- (a) the contract shall, at the option of the company, be void as against the company; and (b)
such manager or other agent shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred taka.
Prospectus
134. Dating of prospectus.---A prospectus issued by or on behalf of a company or in relation to an intended
company shall be dated, and that date shall, unless the contrary is proved, be taken as the date of publication
of the prospectus.
135. Matters to be stated and reports to be set out in prospectus.--(1) Every prospectus issued by or on
behalf of a company, or by on behalf of any person who is or has been engaged or interested in the formation
of a company shall state the matters and set out the reports specified in parts I and II respectively of schedule
III; and the said Parts I and II shall have effect subject to the provisions contained in Part III of the said
Schedule.
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(2) Where an applicant for shares or debentures of a company it required to accept a condition which has
the effect of waiving the compliance with any of the requirements of this section, or which purports to
effect him with notice of any contract document of matter not specifically referred to in the prospectus,
such condition shall be void.
(3) No person shall issue any form of application for shares in or debentures of a company, unless the
form is accompanied by a prospectus which complies with the requirements of this section:
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply if it is shown that the form of application was issued either--
(a) in connection with a bonafide invitation to a person to enter into an underwriting agreement
with respect to the shares or debentures; or
(b) in relation to shares or debentures which were not offered to the public.
(4) If any person acts in contravention of the provision of sub-section (3) he shall be punishable with fine
which may extend to five thousand taka.
(5) A director or other person responsible for the prospectus shall not incur any libaility by reason of any
non compliance with, or contravention of, any of the requirements of this section if--
(a) as regards any matter not disclosed, he proves that he had no knowledge thereof; or
(b) he proves that the non-compliance or contravention arose form an honest mistake of the fact
on his part; or
(c) the non-compliance or contravention in respect or matters which in the opinion of the court
dealing with the case, were inmaterial or was otherwise such as ought, in the opinion of that court,
having regard to all the circumstances of the case, reasonably to be excused :
Provided that no director or other person shall incur any liability in respect of the failure to include in a
prospectus a statement with respect to the matters specified in clause 18 of Part I of Schedule III, unless it is
proved that he had knowledge of the matters not disclosed.
(6) This section section not apply--
(a) to the issue to existing members or debentures holders of a company of a prospectus or form
of application relating to shares in or debentures of the company, whether an applicant for shares or
beberture will or will not have the right to renounce in favour of other persons :
(b) to the issue of a prospectus or form of application relating to shares or debentures which are,
or are to be, in all respects uniform with shares or debentures previously issued and for the time
being dealt in of quoted on a
recognised stock exchange; but subject as aforesaid, this section shall apply to a prospectus or a form
of application, whether issued on or with reference to the formation of a company or subsequently.
(7) Nothing in this section shall limit or diminish any liability which any person may incur under any
other law or under this Act apart from this section.
136. Expert to be unconnected with formation or management or company.-- A prospectus inviting persons to
subscribe for shares in or debentures of a company shall not include a statement purporting to be made by and
expert, unless the expert is a person who is not, and has not been, engaged or interested in the formation or
promotion or management of the company.
137 Expert's consent to issue of prospectus containing statement by him.--A prospectus inviting persons to
subscribe for shares in or debentures of a company and including a statement purporting to be made by and
expert may be issued, if---
(a) he has given his written consent to the issue thereof , with the statement included in the form
and context in which it is included, and has not withdrawn such consent before the delivery of a
copy of the prospectus for registration; and
(b) another statement that he has given and has not withdrawn his consent as aforesaid appear's
in the prospectus.
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indicated therein, any such adjustments as are mentioned in Part III of the Schedule IV have endorsed
thereon or attached thereto a written statement signed by those person, setting out the adjustment and
giving the reasons thereof.
(3) This section shall not apply to a private company.
(4) If a company acts in contravention of sub-section (1) or (2) the company and every director of the
company and every director of the company who knowingly and willfully authorise; or permits the
contravention, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two thousand taka.
(5) Where a statement in lieu of prosperous delivered to the Registrar under sub-section (1) includes any
untrue statement, any person who authorised or permitted the delivery of the statement in lieu of
prospectus for registration shall be punishable with imprisonment for a ten years or with fine which may
extend to two years or with fine which may extend five thousand taka or with both, unless he proves either
that the statement was immaterial or that he had reasonable ground to believe, and did up to the time of the
delivery for registration of the statement lieu of prospectus believe, that the statement was true
(6) for the purposes of this section---
(a) a statement included in a statement in lieu of prospectus shall be deemed to be untrue, if it is
misleading in the form and context in which it is included; and
(b) where the omission from a statement in lieu of prospectus of any matter is calculated to
mislead, the statement in lieu of prospectus shall be deemed, in respect to such omission, to be a
statement in lieu of prospectus containing an untrue statement.
(7) For the purposes of sub-section (5) and clause (a) of sub-section (6) the expression "included", when
used with reference to a statement in lieu of prospectus, means included in the statement in lieu of
prospectus itself of contained in any report or memorandum appearing on the face thereof or by reference
incorporated therein, or issued therewith.
142. Document containing offer of shares or debentures for sale to be deemed a prospectus---(1) where a
company allots or agrees to allot any shares in or debentures of the company with a view to all or any of those
shares or debentures being offered for sale to the public, any document by which the offer for sale to the
public is made shall, for all purposes be deemed to be a prospectus issued by the company, and all enactment's
and rules of law as to the contents of prospectus and as to liability in respect of statements in and omissions
from prospectus, or otherwise relating to prospectus, shall apply and have effect accordingly, if the shares or
debentures had been offered to the public for subscription and as if the persons accepting the offer in respect
of any shares or debentures were subscribers for those shares or debentures but without prejudice to the
liability, if any, of the persons by whom the offer is made in respect of misstatements contained in the
document or otherwise in respect thereof.
(2) For the purposes of this Act, it shall, unless the contrary is proved, be evidence that an allotment or an
agreement to allot shares or debentures was made with a view to the shares or debentures being offered for
sale to the public if it is shown---
(a) that an offer of the shares or debentures or of any of them for sale to the public was made
within one hundred and eighty days, after the allotment or agreement to allot; or
(b) that at the date when the offer was made, the whole consideration to be received by the
company in respect of the shares or debentures had not been so received.
(3) In case of the document, mentioned in sub-section (1), section 135 shall have effect as if it required a
prospectus to state, in addition to the matters required by that section to be stated, in a prospectus---
(a) the net amount of the consideration received or to be received by the company in respect of
the shares or debentures to which the offer relates; and
(b) the place and time at which the contract under which the said shares or debentures have been
or are to be allotted may be inspected.
(4) Section 138 shall apply to the person of persons making the offer mentioned in sub-section (1) as
though they were person named in a prospectus as directors or proposed directors of a company.
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(5) Where the persons making an offer mentioned in sub-section (1) is a company or firm, it shall be
sufficient if the document referred in sub-section(1) is signed on behalf of the company or firm by two
directors of the company or by not less than one-half of the partners in the firm, as the case may be, and any
such director or partner may sigh by his agent authorised in writing.
143. Interpretation of provisions relation to prospectus.---(1) For the purposes of the provisions relating to
prospectus---
(a) a statement included in a prospectus shall be deemed to be unture, if the statement is
misleading in the form and context in which it is included; and
(b) where the omission from a prospectus of any matter is calculated to mislead, the prospectus
shall be deemed in respect of such omission to be a prospectus containing untrue statement.
(2) For the purposes of section 145, 146 and clause (a) of sub-section (1) of this section, the expression
"included" when used with reference to a prospectus, means included in the prospectus itself or contained in
any report of memorandum appearing on the face thereof or by reference incorporated therein or issued
therewith.
144. Restriction on alteration of terms of prospectus or statement in lieu of prospectus.--- A company shall
not, at nay time, very the terms of a contract referred to in the prospectus or statement in lieu of prospectus,
except with the approval of, or except under an authority given by, the company in general meeting.
145. Civil liability for misstatement in prospectus.---(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, where a
prospectus invites members of the public to subscribe for shares in or debentures of a company, the following
persons shall be liable to pay compensation to every person who subscribes for any shares or debentures on
the faith of the prospectus for any loss or damage he may have sustained by reason of any untrue statement
included therein, that is to say---
(a) every person who is a director of the company at the time of the issue of prospectus;
(b) every person who has authorised himself to be named and is named in the prospectus either as
a director, or as having agreed to become a director, either immediately or after an interval of some
time;
(c) every person who is a promoter of the company; and
(d) every person who has authorised the issue of the prospectus :
Provided that where, under section 138, the consent of a person is required to the issue of a prospectus and he
has given that consent, or where the consent of a person named in a prospectus is required and he has given
that consent, he shall not, by reason of having given such consent, be liable under this sub-section as a person
who has, as referred to in claused (d), authorised the issue of the prospectus, except in respect of an untrue
statement, if any, which is included in accordance with section 137 with the consent or under the authority of
a person purporting to be an expert. (2) No person shall be liable under sub-section (1), if he proves---
(a) that having consented to become a director of the company, he withdrew his consent before
the issue of the prospectus, and that it was issued without his authority or consent; or
(b) that the prospectus was issued without his knowledge or consent, and that on becoming aware
of its issue he forthwith gave reasonable public notice that it was issued without his knowledge or
consent; or
(c) that, after the issue of the prospectus and before allotment thereunder, he, on becoming aware
of any untrue statement therein, withdrew his consent to the prospectus and gave reasonable public
notice of the withdrawal and of the reason therefor; or
(d) that---
(i) as regards every untrue statement not purporting to be made on the authority of an expert or
of a public official document or statement, he had reasonable ground to believe, and did up to the time
of the allotment of the shares or debentures, as the case may be, believe that the statement was true;
and
(ii) as regards every untrue statement purporting to be a statement by an expert or contained in
what purports to be a copy of or an extract from a report or valuation of an expert, it was a correct and
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fair presentation of the statement, or a correct copy of or a correct and fair extract from, the report and
valuation; and he had reasonable ground to believe, and did up to the time of the issue of the
prospectus believe, that the person making the statement was competent to make it and that person had
given the consent required by section 137 to the issue of the prospectus and had not withdrawn that
consent before delivery of a copy of the prospectus for registration or, to the defendant's knowledge,
before allotment thereunder: and
(iii) as regards every untrue statement purporting to be a statement made purporting to be a
statement made by an official person or contained in what purports to be a copy of or extract from a
public official document, it was a correct and fair representation of that statement, or correct copy of
or a correct and fair extract from, the document
:
Provided that this sub-section shall not apply in the case of a person liable by reason of his having
given a consent required of him by section 137 as a person who has authorised the issue of the
prospectus in respect of an untrue statement purporting to be made by him as an expert.
(3) A person who, would, under sub-section (1) be liable by reason of his having given a consent required
of him by section 137 as a person who has authorised the issue of a prospectus in respect of an untrue
statement purporting to be made by him as an expert, shall not be so liable, if he proves---
(a) that having given his consent under section 137 to the issue of the prospectus, he withdrew it
in writing before delivery of a copy of the prospectus for registration; or
(b) that, after delivery of a copy of the prospectus for registration and before allotment
thereunder, he, on becoming aware of the untrue statement, withdrew his consent in writing and gave
reasonable public notice of the withdrawal and of the reason therefor; of
(c) that he was competent make the statement and that he had reasonable ground to believe, and
did up to the time of the allotment of the shares or debentures, believe, that the statement was true.
Provided that a person shall not for the purposes of this sub-section be deemed to have authorised the issue pf
a prospectus by reason only of his having given the consent required by section 137.
(4) Every person who, becomes liable to make any payment by virtue of this section may recover
contribution, as in cases of contract, from any other person who, if issued separately, would have been
liable to make the same payment, unless the former person was, and the later person was not, guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation.
(5) For the purposes of this section---
(a) the expression "promoter" means a promoter who was a party to the preparation of the
prospectus or of the portion thereof containing the untrue statement, but does not include any person
by reason of his acting a professional capacity for persons engaged in procuring the formation of the
company; and (b) the expression "expert" has the same meaning as in section 139.
146. Penalty for unture statement in prospectus.--- (1) Where a prospectus issued after the commencement of
this Act includes any untrue-statement every person who authorised the issue of the prospectus shall be
punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to
five thousand taka or with both, unless he proves either that the statement was immaterial or that he had
reasonable ground to believe, and did, up to the time of the issue of the prospectus, believe the statement was
true.
(2) A person shall not be deemed for the purposes of this section to have authorised the issue of a prospectus
by reason only of his having given---
(a) the consent required by section 137 to the inclusion therein of statement purporting to be made by him as
an expert ; or (b) the consent required by sub-section (4) of section 138.
147. Penalty for fraudulently inducing persons to invest money : Any person who either by knowingly or
recklessly making any statement, promise or forecast which is false, deceptive of misleading, or by induce
another person to enter into, or to offer into---
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(a) any agreement for, or with a view to acquiring, disposing of, subscribing for, or underwriting shares
or debentures; or
(b) any agreement, the purpose or pretended purpose of which is to secure a profit to any of the parties
from the yield of shares or debentures, or by reference to fluctuation in the value of shares or debenture.
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which my
extend to fifteen thousand taka or with both.
148. Restriction as to allotment.--- (1) No allotment shall be made of any share capital of a company offered to
the public for subscription, unless the following amount and at least 5% of that amount have been paid in cash
to the company, namely---
149. Effect of irregular allotment. --- (1) An allotment made by a company to an applicant in contravention of
the provision of section 141 or section 148 shall be voidable at the instance of the applicant within one month
after the holding of the statutory meeting of the company and not later or, in any case where the company is
not required to hold a statutory meeting or where the allotment is made after the holding of the statutory
meeting, within one month after the date of the allotment and not later, and shall be so voidable
notwithstanding that the company is in the course of being wound up.
(2) If any director of a company knowingly contravenes or permits or authorises the contravention of any of
the provisions of section 141 or section 148 with respect to allotment, he shall be liable to compensate the
company and the allottee for any loss, damages or costs which the company or the allottee may have sustained
or incurred thereby :
Provided that Proceedings to recover any such loss, damages or costs shall not be commenced after the
expiration of two years from the date of the allotment.
150. Restrictions or commencement of Business.--- (1) A company shall not commence any business or
exercise any borrowing powers unless---
(a) shares held subject to the payment of the whole amount thereof in cash have been allotted to an
amount not less in the whole than the minimum subscription; and
(b) every director of the company has, out of the shares taken or contracted to be taken by him, paid in
cash on each of the shares.
(i) where the shares are offered for public subscription, an amount equal to the amount to be paid
on application for shares by the members of the public; or
(ii) where the shares are not offered, and amount payable in cash by the director on such share :
(c) there has been field with the Registrar a duly verified declaration by the secretary or one of the
directors in the prescribed from, that the aforesaid conditions have been complied with; and
(d) in the case of a company which does not issue a prospectus inviting the public to subscribe for its
shares, there has been filed with the Registrar a statement in lieu of prospectus.
(2) The Registrar shall, on the filing of a duly verified declaration, in accordance with the provisions of
sub-section (1) certify that the company is entitled to commence business, and that certificate shall be
conclusive evidence that the company is so entitled :
Provided that in the case of a company which does not issue a prospectus inviting the public to subscribe for
its shares, the Registrar shall not give such a certificate unless a statement in lieu of prospectus has been filed
with him.
(3) Any contract made by a company before the date at which it is entitled to commence business shall be
provisional only, and shall not be binding on the company until that date and on that date it shall become
binding.
(4) Nothing in this section shall prevent the simultaneous offer for subscription or allotment of any
shares, and debentures or the receipt of any money payable on application for shares or debentures.
(5) If any company commences business or exercises borrowing powers in contravention of this section,
every person who is responsible for the contravention shall, without prejudice to any other liability, be liable
to a fine not exceeding one thousand taka for every day during which the contravention continues.
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Nothing in this section shall apply to a private company, or to a company which does not issue a prospectus
inviting the public to subscribe for its shares, and the provisions of this section in so far as they relate to
shares, shall not apply to a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital.
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PART V
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Office and Name (Continued)
151. Return as to allotment.-(1) Where a company having a share capital makes any allotment of its shares,
the company shall within sixty days thereafter, file with Registrar the following documents, namely :--
(a) a return of the allotments, stating the number and nominal amount of the shares comprised in the
allotment, the name address nationality and other descriptions of the allottees, and the amount, if any,
paid or due and payable on each share, and
(b) in the case of shares allotted as fully or partly paid up otherwise than in cash, the copies of the
following agreements duly stamped and verified in the prescribed manner namely :-
(i) vendor's agreement, that is the agreement which constitutes the title of the allotee to the
allotment; and
(ii) the contract of sale or service or to other consideration in respect of which the allotment was
made;
(c) the number and nominal value of the allotted shares referred to in clause (b); and
(d) the deed of sale of any immovable property, if the consideration for allotment of shares referred to in
clause (b) is sought to the paid by the allottee by way of transfer of such property.
(2) Where a contract mentioned in sub-section (1) is not reduced to writing, the company shall, within
one month after the allotment, file with the Registrar the prescribed particulars of the contract stamped with
the same stamp duty as would have been payable if the contract had been reduced to writing, and these
particulars shall be deemed to be an instrument within the meaning of the Stamp Act, 1899 (II of 1899) and
the Registrar may, as a condition of filing the particulars, require that the stamp duty payable thereon be
adjudicated under section 31 of that Act.
(3) If the Registrar is satisfied that in the circumstances of any particular case the period of sixty days
specified in subsection (1) and (2) for compliance with the requirements of these section is inadequate, he
may, on an application made by the company before expirys of the sixty days, extend that period as he thinks
fit, and if he does so, the provisions of subsection (1) and (2) shall have effect in that particular case as if for
the extended period allowed by Registrar specified in those sub-sections.
(4) If a company defaults in complying with the requirements of this section, every officer of the
company who is knowingly a party to the default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand taka for
every day during which the default continues
:
Provided that, in case of default in filling with the Registrar within the time specified in sub-section (1) and (2)
any document required to be filed by this section, the company or any person liable for the default may apply
to the Court for relier, and the Court, if satisfied that the commission to file the document was accidental or
due to inadvertence or that on other grounds it is just and equitable to grant relief, may make an order
extending the time for the filing of the document for such a period as the Court may think proper.
Commissions and Discounts
152. Restrictions on payment of commissions, discounts, etc.- (1) It shall be lawful for a company to pay a
commission to any person in consideration of his subscribing or agreeing to subscribe, whether absolutely or
conditionally, for any shares in the company, for procuring or agreeing to procure subscription, whether
absolutely or conditionally for any shares in the company, if---
(a) the payment of the commission is authorised by the articles and the commission paid or
agreed to be paid does not exceed the amount or rate so authorised; and
(b) if the amount or rate of percentage of the commission paid or agreed to be paid is--- (i)
in the case of shares offered to the public for subscription, in the prospectus; and
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(ii) in the case of shares not offered to the public for subscription, disclosed in the statement lieu of
prospectus or in a statement in the prescribed form signed in like manner as a statement in lieu of
prospectus and filed with the Registrar and, where a circular of notice, not being a prospectus inviting
subscription for the shares is issued, also disclosed in that circular or notice.
(2) Save as provided in sub-section (1) and section 153, no company shall allot any of its shares or apply
any its moneys either directly of indirectly in payment of any commission. discount or allowances, to any
person in confederation of his subscribing or agreeing to subscribe, whether absolutely or conditionally, for
any shares of the company or procuring or agreeing to procure subscriptions, whether absolutely or
conditionally, for any shares in the company, and the shares shall not be so allotted or the money shall not be
so applied by adding to the purchase-money of any property acquired by the company or the contract price of
any work to be executed for the company or the money to be paid out of the nominal purchase money or
contract price, or otherwise.
(3) Nothing in this section shall affect the power of any company to pay such brokerage as it has
heretofore been lawful for a company to pay and a vender to, promoter of, or other person who received
payment in money or shares from, a company shall have and shall be deemed always to have had power to
apply any part of the money or shares so received in payment of any commission, the payment of which, if
made directly by the company, would have been legal under this section.
153. Power to issues share at a discount. - (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, it shall be lawful for a
company to issue at a discount shares in the company of a class already issued :
Provided that -
(a) the issued of the shares at a discount must be authorised by resolution passed in general
meeting of the company and must be sanctioned by the Court;
(b) the resolution must specify the maximum rate of discount, not exceeding ten percent in any
case, at which shares are to be issued;
(c) not less than one year must at the date of issued have clasped since the date on which the
company was entitled to commence business;
(d) the shares to be issued at a discount must be issued within six months after the date on which
the issue is sanctioned by the Court or within such extended time as the Court may allow.
(2) Every prospectus relating to the issue of the shares and every balance sheet issued by the company
subsequently to the issue must contain particulars of the discount allowed on the issue of the shares or of so
much of that discount as has not been written off at the date of the issue of the document in question.
(3) If accompany defaults in complying with sub-section (2) the company and also every officer of the
company who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred taka.
154. Issue of redeemable preference shares. - (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a company limited
by shares may, if so authorised by its articles, issue preference shares which are, or at the option of the
company are to be or liable to be redeemed :
Provided that -
(a) no such shares shall be redeemed except out of profits of the company which should
otherwise be available for dividend or out or the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for the
purposes of the redemption or out of sale proceeds of any property of the company.
(b) no such shares shall be redeemed unless they are fully paid;
(c) where any such shares are redeemed otherwise than out of the proceeds of a fresh issue, there
shall, out of profits which would otherwise have been available for dividend, be transferred to a
reserve fund, to be called "the capital redemption reserve fund" a sum equal to the amount applied
in redeeming the shares, and the provisions of this relating to the reduction of the shares capital of a
company shall, except as provided in this section, apply if the capital redemption reserve fund were
paid up share capital of the company;
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(d) where any such share are redeemed out of the proceeds of a fresh issue, the premium, if
payable on redemption, must be provided for out of the profits of the company before the shares are
redeemed.
(2) In every balance-sheet of a company which has issued redeemable preference shares the following
shall be included, namely : ---
(a) a statement specifying what part of the issued capital of the company consists of such shares;
and
(b) the date on or before which those shares are, or are to be, liable to be, redeemed or where no
definite date is fixed for redemption, the period of notice to be given for redemption.
(3) Subject to the provisions of this section, the redemption of preference shares may be effected on such
terms and in such terms and in such manner as may be provided by the articles of the company.
(4) Where in pursuance of this section a company has redeemed or is about to redeem any preference
shares, it shall have power to issue shares up to the nominal amount of the shares redeemed or to be
redeemed, as if those had never been issued, and accordingly the share capital of the company shall not, for
the purpose of calculating the fees payable under section 384, be deemed to be increased by the issue, of
shares in pursuance of this sub-section :
Provided that, where new shares are issued before the redemption of the old shares, the new shares shall not,
so far as they relate to stamp duty, be deemed to have been issued in pursuance of this sub-section, unless the
old shares are redeemed within one month after the issue of the new shares.
(5) Notwithstanding anything in the other provisions of this section, where redeemable preference shares
deemed, under sub-section (4), to have never been issued are, or are to be, redeemed for the purpose of
allotting them as fully paid up bonus shares to the members of the company, the redemption reserve fund may
be applied by the company up to the nominal value of the new shares referred to in sub-section (1) (c) for such
redemption.
(6) If a company defaults in complying with any of the provisions of this section, the company and also
every officer of the company who is in default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two thougsand taka.
155. Further issue of capital. - (1) Where the directors decided to increase the subscribed capital of the
company by issue of further shares within the limit of the authorised capital -
(a) such further shares shall be offered to the members in proportion, as nearly as circumstances
admit, to the capital paid up on the existing share held by such member, irrespective of class, at the
date of the offer;
(b) such offer shall be made by notice specifying the number of shares offered and specifying the
time limit. not being less than fifteen days from the date of the offer, within which the offer if not
accepted, will be deemed to have been declined;
(c) after the expiry of the time specified in the notice aforesaid, or on receipt of earlier intimation
from the members to whom such notice is given that he declines to accept the shares offered, the
directors may dispose of the same in such manner as they may think most beneficial to the company.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) the further shares aforesaid may be offered to any
person whether or not those person include its person referred to in clause (a) of that sub-section in manner
whatsoever.
156. Statement in balance sheet as to commissions and discounts. - Where a company has paid any sums
by way of commission in respect of any shares or debentures or allowed any sums by way of discount in
respect of any debentures, the total amount so paid or allowed or so much thereof as has not been written off,
shall be stated in every balance sheet of the company until the whole amount thereof has been written off.
Payment of Interest out of Capital
157. Power of company to pay interest out of capital in certain cases. - Where any shares of a company are
issued for the purpose of raising money to defray the expenses of the construction of any works or building or
the provision of any plant which cannot be made profitable for a lengthened period, the company may pay
interest on so much of that share capital as is for the time being paid up for the period and subject to the
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conditions and restrictions in this section mentioned and may charge the same to capital as part of the cost of
construction of the work or building or the provision of plant :
Provided that -
(a) no such payment shall be made unless the same is authorised by the articles or by special resolution;
(b) no such payment whether authorised by the articles or by special resolution, shall be made without the
previous sanction of the government; and such sanction shall be conclusive evidence for the purposes of
this section that the shares of the company in respect of which such sanction is given have been issued for
a purpose specified in this saction;
(c) before sanctioning any such payment the government may, at the expense of the company, appoint a
person to inquire and report to the Government as to the circumstances of the case, and may, before
making the appointment, require the company to give security for the payment of the costs of the inquiry;
(d) the payment shall be made only for such period and may be determined by the Government, and such
period shall in no case extend beyond the close of the half-year nest after the half-year during which the
works or buildings have been actually completed or the plant provided;
(e) the rate of interest shall in no case exceed four percent per annum or such lower rate as the
Government, may, by notification in the official Gazette, prescribe;
(f) the payment of the interest shall not operate as a reduction of the amount paid up on the shares in
respect of which it is paid;
(g) the accounts of the company shall show the share capital on which, and the rate at which, interest has
been paid out of capital during the period to which the accounts relate.
Certificates of Shares, etc.
158. Limitation of time for issue of certificates. - (1) Every company shall, within ninety days after the
allotment of any of its shares, debentures or debenture-stock, and within ninety days after the registration of
transfer of any such shares, debentures or debenture-stock complete and have ready for delivery the
certificates of all shares, debentures, and the debenture-stock allotted or transferred unless the conditions of
issue of the shares, debentures or debenture-stock otherwise provide.
(2) If default is made in complying with the requirements of this section, the company, and also every officer
of the company who is knowingly a party to the default shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred
taka for every day during which the default continues.
Information as to Mortgages, Charges, etc.
159. Certain mortgages and charges to be void if not registered - (1) Every mortgage or charge created after
the commencement of this Act by a company and being either -
(a) a mortgage or charge for the purpose of securing any issue of debentures; or
(b) a mortgage or charge on uncalled share capital of the company, or
(c) a mortgage or charge on any immovable property wherever situated or any interest therein, or
(d) a mortgage or charge on any book debts or the company, or
(e) a mortgage or charge, not being a pledge on any moveable property of the company except
stock-in- trade, or
(f) a floating charge on the undertaking or shall so far as any property of the company, security
on the company's property or undertaking is thereby conferred, be void against the liquidator and
any creditor of the company, unless the prescribed particulars of the mortgage or charge, together
with the instrument, if any, by which the mortgage or charge is created or evidenced or a copy
thereof verified in the prescribed manner are filed with the Registrar for registration in manner
required by this Act within twenty-one days after the date of its creation ; put any contract or
obligation for repayment of the money thereby secure shall not be prejudiced; and when a
mortgage or charge becomes void under this section, the money secured thereby shall
immediately become payable.
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Provided that -
(i) in the case a mortgages or charge created out of Bangladesh comprising solely property
situate outside Bangladesh the said twenty one days shall be counted by excluding the period which
would be necessary to receive the instrument in Bangladesh in due course had it been posted with due
diligence; and
(ii) where the mortgage of charge is created in Bangladesh comprises property outside
Bangladesh the instrument creating or purporting to create the mortgage or charge or a copy thereof
verified in the prescribed manner may be filed for registration notwithstanding that further
proceedings may be necessary to make the mortgage or charge valid or effectual according to the law
of the country in which the property is situate; and
(iii) where a negotiable instrument has been given to secure the payment of any book debts of a
company, the deposit of the instrument for the purpose of securing an advance to the company shall no
for the purposes of this section be treated as a mortgage or charge on those book debts; and
(iv) the holding of debentures entitling the holder to a charge on immovable property shall not be
deemed to be an interest in immovable property.
(2) Where any mortgage or charge on any property of a company require to be registered under this section
has been so registered, any person acquiring such property or any part thereof or any share or interest therein,
shall be deemed to have notice of the said mortgage or charge as from the date of such registration.
160. Registration of charge on properties acquired subject to charge. - (1) Where a company registered in
Bangladesh acquires any property which is subject to a charge on any such kind as would, if it had been
created by the company, after the acquisition of the property, have been required to be registered under this
Part, the company shall couse the prescribed particulars of the charge together with a copy certified in the
prescribed manner to be a correct copy of the instrument, if any, by which the charge was created or its
evidenced, to be delivered to the Registrar for registration in manner required by this Act within twenty-one
days after the date on which the acquisition completed
Provided that if the Property is situated and the charge was created outside Bangladesh the said twenty-one
days shall be counted by excluding the period which would be necessary to receive the instrument in
Bangladesh in due course of post had it been despatched with due diligence.
(2) If a company defaults in complying with the provisions of this section the company and also every officer
of the company, who is knowingly and willfully in default, shall be liable to a fine not exceding one thousand
taka.
161. Particulars in case of series of debentures entitling holders pari passu. - (1) Where a series of debentures
containing, or giving by reference to any other instrument, any charge to the benefit of which the debentures.
holders of that series are entitled pari passu is created by a company, it shall be sufficient for the compliance
of section 159 if there are filed with the Registrar with twenty-one days after the execution of the deed
containing the charge or, if there is no such deed, after the execution of any debentures of the series, the
following :-
(a) the total amount secured by the whole series;
(b) the dates of the resolutions authorising the issue of the series and the date of the covering
deed, if any, by which the security is created or defined;
(c) a general description of the property charged;
(d) the names of the trustees, if any, from the debenture-holders; and
(e) the deed or a copy thereof varified in the prescribed manner containing the charge or if there
is no such deed one of the debentures of the series ;
Provided that, where more than one issue is made of debentures in the series, there shall be filed with the
Registrar for entry in the register particulars of the date and amount of each issue, bu an omission to do this
shall no affect the validity of the debentures issued.
(2) The Registrar shall register the particulars and the deeds filed under sub section (1).
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162. Particulars in case of commission, etc. on debentures--- Where any commission, allowance or
discount has been paid or made either directly or indirectly by the company to any person in consideration of
his subscribing of agreeing to subscribe, whether absolutely or conditionally, for any debentures of the
company, or for procuring or agreeing to procure subscriptions, whether absolutely or conditionally for any
such debentures, the particulars required to be filed for registration under section 159 and 161 shall include
particulars as to the amount or rate percent of the commission, discount or allowance so paid or made, but an
ommission to do this shall not affect this validity of the debentures issued :
Provided that the deposit of any debentures as security for any debt of the company shall not for the purposes
of this provision be treated as the issue of debentures at a discount.
163. Registers of mortgages and charges.---(1) The registrar shall keep, with respect to each company, a
register in the prescribed form of all mortgages and charges created by the company after the commencement
of this Act and requiring registration under section 159 and shall, on payment of the prescribed fee, enter in
the register, with respect to every such mortgage or charge, the date of creation, the amount secured by it,
short particulars of the property mortgaged or charged and the names of the mortages or the persons entitled
to the charge.
(2) After making the entry required by sub-section (1) the Registrar shall return the instrument, if any, or
the verified copy thereof, as the case may be, filed in accordance with the provisions of section 159 or 161 to
the person filling the same.
(3) The register kept in pursuance of this section shall be open to inspection by any person on payment of
the fee, as specified in Schedule II.
164. Index to register of mortgages and charges.---The Registrar shall keep a chronological index, in the
prescribed form and with the prescribed particulars of the mortgages and charges registered with him under
this Act.
165. Certificate of registration.---The Registrar shall give a certificate under his hand of the registration of
any mortgage or charge registered in pursuance of section 159, stating the amount thereby secured, and the
certificate shall be conclusive evidence that the requirement of sections 159 to 163 as to registration have
been complied with.
166. Endorsement of certificate of registration on debentures or certificate of debenture-stock.-- The
company shall cause a copy of every certificate of registration, given under section 165 to be endorsed on
every debenture or certificate of debenture-stock which is issued by the company, and the payment of which is
secured by the mortgage or charge so registere :
Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring a company to cause a certificate of
registration of any mortaged or charge so given to be endoresed on any debenture or certificate of debenture-
stock issued by the company before the mortgage or charge was created.
167. Duty of company and right of interested party as regards registration --- (1) Every company to file
with the Registrar for registration the prescribed particulars of every mortgage or charge created by the
company and of the issues of debentures of a series, requiring registration under section 159, and registration
of any such mortgage or charge may be also effected on the application of any person interested therein.
(2) Where the registration is effected on the application of some person other than the company, that
person shall be entitled to recover from the company the amount of any fees properly paid by him to the
Registar on the registration.
(3) Whenever the terms of conditions or extent or operation of any mortgage or charge registered under
this section are modified, it shall be the duty of the company to send to the Registrar the particulars of such
modification and the provisions of this section as to registration of the mortgage or charge shall apply to such
modification of the mortgage or charge as aforesaid.
168. Copy of instrument creating mortgage or charge to be kept at registered office.--Every company shall
cause a copy of every instrument creating any mortgage or charge requiring registration under section 159 to
be kept at the registered office of the company;
Provided that, in the case of a series of uniform debentures, a copy of one such debenture shall be sufficient.
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169. Registration of appointment or receiver-(1) I any person obtains an order for the appointment of a
receiver of the property of a company, or appoints such a receiver under any powers contained in any
instrument, he shall within fifteen days from the date of the order or of the appointment under the powers
contained in the instrument, file notice of the fact with the Registrar and the Registrar, shall on payment of the
prescribed fee, enter the fact in the register of mortgages and charges.
(2) If any person makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, he shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding two hundred taka for everyday during which the default continues.
170. Filling of accounts of Receivers-(1) A receiver referred to in section 169 of any property who had taken
possession shall for every financial year during such possession and also on ceasing to act as receiver, file
with the Registrar an abstract in the prescrived from of his receipts and payment during the period to which
the abstract relates and shall also, on ceasing to act as receiver, file with the Registrar, notice to that effect and
the Registrar shall inter the notice in the register of mortgages and charges.
(2) Where a receiver of the property of a company has been appointed, every invoice, order for goods, or
business letter issued by or on behalf of the company, or the receiver of the company, being a document on or
in which the name of the company appears, shall contain a statement that a receiver has been appointed.
(3) For every default in complying with the requirements of this section, the company, and also every
officer of receiver as the case may be of the company, who knowingly and willfully authorises or permits the
default, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred taka.
171. Rectification of register of mortgages - (1) If the Court satisfied that-
(a) the omission to register a mortgage or charge within the time required by section 159, or the
omission or misstatement of any particular with respect to any such mortgage or charge, or the
omission to give intimation to the Registrar of the payment or satisfaction of a debt from which the
mortgage or charge was created, was accidental or due to inadvertence or to some other sufficient
cause, or
(b) the omission is not of a nature to prejudice the position of creditors or share-holders of the
company, or
(c) on other grounds it is just and equitable to grant to relief the court may, on the application of
the company or any person interested and on such terms and conditions as seem to the court just
and expedient, order that the time for registration be extended or, as the case may be, that the
omission or mis-statement be rectified, and may make such order as to the costs to be paid to the
applicant as it thinks fit.
(2) Where the Court extends the time for the registration of mortgage, or charge, the order shall not prejudice
any right, as acquired in respect of the property concerned prior to the time when the mortgage, or charge is
actually registered.
172. Registration of Satisfaction of mortgages and charges--(1) The company shall give intimation to the
Registrar of the payment of satisfaction of any mortgage or charge required to be registered under section 159
within twenty-one days from the date of the payment or satisfaction thereof.
(2) The Registrar shall, on receipt on such intimation, cause a notice to be sent to the mortgage, calling
upon him to show cause, within a time not exceeding fourteen days to be fixed by such notice, why the
payment or satisfaction of the charge or mortgage should not be recorded.
(3) The Registrar shall, if no cause is shown, order that a memorandum of satisfaction he entered on the
register and shall, if required, furnish the company with a copy thereof.
(4) Where cause is shown the Registrar shall record a note to the effect in the register, and shall inform
the company that he has done so
173. Penalties--(1) If any company makes default in filing with the Registrar for registration the
particulars- (a) of any mortgage or charge created by the company, or
(b) of the payment or satisfaction of a debt in respect of which a mortgage or charge had been
registered under section 159 or section 160, or
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(c) of the issue of debentures of a series; requiring registration with the Registrar under the
foregoing provision of this Act, then unless the registration had been effected on the application of
some other person, the company, and also every officer of the company or other person who is
knowingly a party to the default, shall, on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding one thousand
taka for everyday during which the default continues.
(2) Subject as aforesaid, if any company makes default in complying with any of the requirements of this
Act as to the registration with the Registrar of any mortgage or charge created by the company, the company,
and also every officer of the company, who is knowingly and willfully a party to the default, shall, without
prejudice to any other liability, be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand taka.
(3) If any person knowingly and willfully authorises or permits the delivery of any debenture or
certificate of debenture-stock requiring registration with the Registrar under the foregoing provisions of this
Act the certificate of registration being endorsed upon it as required by section 166, he shall, without
prejudice to any other liability, be liable of conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand taka.
174. Company's register of mortgages:--(1) Every company shall keep register of mortgages and enter therein
all mortgage and charges specifically affecting property of the company and all floating charge on the under
taking or on any property of the company, giving in each case a short description of the property mortgaged or
charged the amount of the mortgage or charge and, except in the case of securities to bearer, the name of the
mortgages of persons entitled thereto.
(2) If any director, manager or other officer of the company knowingly and willfully authorieses or permits the
omission of any entry required to be made in pursuance of this section, he shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding two thousand taka.
175. Right to inspect copies of instruments creating mortgages and charges and company's register of
mortgages :- (1) The copies kept at the registered office of the company in pursuance of section 168 or
instruments creating any mortgage or charge requiring registration under this Act with the Registrar and
register of mortagges kept in pursuance of section 174, shall kept be open at all reasonable times to the
inspections of any creditor or member of the company without fee, and the register of mortgages shall also be
kept open to the inspection of any other person on payment of such fee, not exceeding ten taka for each
inspection, as the company may prescribe.
(2) If inspection of the said copies or register is refused the company shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one
hundred taka for the first day and to a further fine not exceeding fifty taka for everyday during which the
refusal continues, and every officer of the company, who knowingly authorises or permits the refusal, shall
incur the like penalty, and in addition to the above penalty, the Court may be order compel an immediate
inspection of the copies or register.
176. Right to inspect resister of debenture-holders and to have copies of trust deeds:--(1) A company shall
keep open every register of the debenture holders for he inspection its debenture-holders and share- holders
and every such holder may require a copy of the register or part thereof on payment of fees specified in
Schedule II:
Provided that-
(a) the register shall not be inspected during such period or periods not exceeding in the whole
thirty days in any year, as may be specified in the articles; and
(b) subject to such reasonable restrictions as may be imposed by the general meeting, the register
shall be kept open for inspection for at least two hours in a day during the permissible period.
(2) A copy of any trust-deed for securing any issue of debentures shall be forwarded to every holder of
any such debentures at his request on payment, in the case of a printed trust deed, of the sum of ten taka or
such less sum as may be fixed by the company, or where the trust-deed is not printed, the fees specified in
schedule-II.
(3) If inspection is refused or a copy is refused or not forwarded, the company shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding one hundred taka for the first and to a further fine not exceeding fifty taka for every day
subsequently during which the refusal continues, and every officer of the company who knowingly authorises
or permits the refusal shall incur the like penalty; and the Court may be order compel an immediate inspection
of the register.
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(3) Any payments made under this section shall be recouped, as far as may be, out of the assets of the
company available for payment of general creditors.
BALANCE-SHEET, STATEMENTS, BOOKS ETC.
181. Books to be kept by company and penalty for not keeping them:-
(1) Every company shall keep proper books of account with respect to-
(a) all sums of money received and expended by the company and the matters in respect of which
the receipt and expenditure take place;
(b) all sales and purchases of goods by the company;
(c) the assets and liabilities of the company; and
(d) in the case of a company engaged in production, distribution, marketing, transportation,
processing, manufacturing, milling extraction and mining activities, such particulars relating to
utilisation of material, labour and other items of overhead cost.
(2) For the purpose of sub-section (1), proper books of account shall not be deemed to be kept with
respect to the matters specified therein if there are not kept such books as are necessary to give a true and
fair view of the state of the affairs of the company and to explain its transactions.
(3) The books of account shall be kept at the registered office of the company and shall at all times be
open to inspection by directors during business hours:
Provided that all or any of the books of account may, for a period not exceeding six months, be kept at such
other place in Bangladesh as the board of Directors may decide and when the board of Directors so decides,
the company shall within seven days of the decision, file with the Registrar a notice in writing giving the full
address of that other place.
(4) where a company has a branch office, whether in or outside Bangladesh, the company shall be
deemed to have complied with the provisions of sub-section (1), if proper books of account relating to the
transactions effected at the branch office are kept at that office and proper summarised returns, made upto
date at intervals of not more than three months, are sent by the branch office to the company at its
registered office or the other place referred to in sub-section (3).
(5) The books of account of every company relating to a period of not less than twelve years immediately
preceeding the current year together with vouchers relevant to any entry in such books of account shall be
preserved in good order;
Provided that in the case of a company incorporated less than twelve years before the current year, the books
of account for the entire period preceeding the current year together with the vouchers relevant to any entry in
such books of account shall be so preserved.
(6) If any of the persons referred to in sub-section (7) fails to take all reasonable steps to secure
compliance by the company with the requirements of this section, or has, by his own wilful act, been the
cause of any default by the company thereunder, he shall, in respect of each offence, be punishable with
imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with which may extend to five thousand taka
or with both.
(7) The persons referred to in sub-section (6) are the following, namely:-
(a) where the company has a managing agent, managing director executive director, general
manager or manager, such managing agent, managing director, executive director, general manager
or manager and all officers but excluding the bankers, auditors and legal advisers;
(b) where such managing agent is a firm, every partner in the firm;
(c) where such managing agent is a body corporate, every director of such body corporate;
(d) where the company has neither a managing agent nor managing director nor executive
director nor general manager nor manager, every director of the company.
182. Inspection of books of account, etc. of companies :-
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(1) The books of account and other books and papers of every company shall be open to inspection
during business hours by the Registrar or by such other Government officer as may be authorised by the
Government in this behalf.
(2) It shall be the duty of every director or other officer of the company to produce to the person making
inspection under sub-section (1), in this section referred to the inspecting person, all such books of account
and other books and other papers of the company in his custody or control and to furnish him with any
statement, information or explanation relating to the affairs of the company as the inspecting person my
require of him within such time and at such place as he may specify.
(3) it shall also be the duty of every director and other officer of the company to give to the inspecting
person all assistance in connection with the inspection which the company may be reasonable expected to
give.
(4) The inspecting person may, during the course of inspection-
(i) make or cause to be made copies of books of account and other books; and
(ii) place or cause to be placed any marks of identification thereon in token of the inspection
having been made.
(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force or any contract to the
contrary, inspecting person shall have the same powers as are Vested in a civil court under the Code of
Civil Procedure, 1908 (Act V of 1908), While trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:-
(i) the discovery and production of books of account and other documents, at such place and
such time as may be specified by such person;
(ii) summoning and enforcing the attendance of persons and examining them on oath:
(iii) inspection of any books, registers and other documents of the company at any place.
(6) Where an inspection of the books of account and other books and papers of the company has been
made under this section, the inspecting person shall make a report to the Government.
(7) The inspecting person under this section shall have all the powers that a Registrar has under his Act in
relation to the making inquiries.
(8) If default is made in complying with the provisions of this section every officer of the company who
is in default shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year and also with a five
not exceeding ten thousand taka.
(9) Where a director or anyother officer of a company has ben convicted of any offence under this
section, he shall, and from the date on which he is so convicted, be deemed to have voated his office as
such and on such vacation of office he shall be disqualified for holding such office in any company for a
period of five years from such date.
183. Annual balance sheet:- (1) The Board of Directors of every company shall, at every annual general
meeting held in pursuances of section 81, lay before the company a balance sheet together with the profit and
loss account or in the case of a company not trading for profit. an income and expenditure account for the
period specified in sub- section (2) of this section.
(2) The said profit and loss account or the income and expenditure account shall be prepared for the flowing
period, namely:-
(a) in the case of the first annual general meeting for the period beginning with the date of incorporation
of the company and ending on a date which is within nine months preceding the date of the meeting; and
(b) in the case of any subsequent annual general meeting, for the period beginning with the date
immediately after last account and ending on a date which is-
(i) a date within none months preceeding such meeting; or
(ii) in the case of a company carrying or business or having interest outside Bangladesh, a date
within twelve months preceding the date of such meeting; or
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(iii) in a case where and extension of time has been granted for holding the meeting under section
81, a date within the said nine or twelve months, as the case may be, preceding the date of holding
such meeting under that section.
Provided that date the Registrar may, on an application being made to less before the expiry of the said nine or
twelve months, extend the period by a period not exceeding three months.
(3) The balance sheet and the profit and loss account or income and account shall be caused to be audited
by the auditor of the company as in this Act provided and the auditor's report shall be attached thereto or there
shall be inserted at the foot thereof a reference to the report and the report shall be read before the company in
general meeting and shall be person to inspection by any member of the company.
(4) The period to which the account aforesaid relates is referred to in this Act as a `financial year" and it
may be less or more than a calendar year, but shall not exceed fifteen months:
Provided that it may extend to eighteen months where special permission had been granted in that behalf by
the Registrar.
(5) If any person, being a director of a company, defaults in taking all reasonable to comply with the
provision of this section, then he shall, in respect of each such offence, be punishable with fine with may
extend to five thousand taka.
(6) There shall be kept at the registered office of the company a copy of the balance sheet including profit
and loss account or income and expenditure, as the case may be, and the director's report for inspection of the
members and other categories of persons as are entitled thereto for a period of at least fourteen days before the
general meeting of the company.
184. Boards report :-(1) There shall be attached to every balance sheet laid before a company in general
meeting a report by its Board of Directors, with respect to- (a) the state of the company's affairs;
(b) the amount, if any, which the Board proposes to carry to any resvere in such balance sheet;
(c) the amount, if any, which the Board recommends should be paid by way of dividend;
(d) material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the company
which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the company to which the balance
sheet related and the date of the report.
(2) The Board's report shall, so far as is material for the appreciation of the state of company's affairs by
its members, deal with any changes which have occurred during the financial years :-
(a) in the nature of the company's business;
(b) in the company's subsidiaries or in the nature of the business carried on by them;
and (c) generally in the classes of business in which the company has an interest.
(3) The Board shall also be bound to give the fullest information and explanations in its report aforesaid
on every reservation, qualification or adverse remark contained in the auditor's report.
(4) The Board report and any addendum thereto shall be signed by its Chairman if he is authorised in that
behalf by the Board, and where he is not so authorised &, shall be signed by such number of director as are
required to sign the balance sheet and the profit and loss account or the income and expenditure account, of
the company by virtue of sub-section (1) and (2) of section 189.
(5) If any person, being a director of a company, fails to take all reasonable steps to comply with the
provision of sub-section (1) to (3) or being the chairman, signs the Boards report otherwise than in conformity
with the provisions of sub-section (4), he shall, in respect of each offence, be liable to fine which may extend
to five thousand aka.
185. Form and contents of balance sheet and profit and loss accounts :- (1) The balance sheet of a company
shall contain a summary of the property and assets and of the capital and lilabilities of the company. giving a
true and fair view of affairs as at the end of the financial year, and it shall, subject to the provisions of this
section be in the forms set out in Part-I of Schedule I. or as near thereto as circumstance admit or in such other
form as may be approved by the Government either generally or in any particular case; and in preparing the
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balance sheet due regard shall be had, as far as may be, to the general instructions for preparation of balance
sheet under the heading "Notes" at the end of the Part:
Provide that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any insurance or banking company or any
company engaged in the generation or supply of electricity or to any other class of company for which a form
of balance sheet has been specified in or under the law governing such class of company.
(2) Every profit and loss account of a company shall gave a true and fair view of the profit and or loss of
the company for the financial year and shall, subject as aforesaid, comply with the requirements of Part II of
Schedule XI so far as applicable thereto:
Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any insurance cor banking company or any
company engaged in the generation or supply of electricity or to any other class of company for which a form
of profit and loss account had been specified in or under the law governing such class of company.
(3) The Government may, by notification the official Gazette, example any class of companies from the
requirements of Schedule XI if, in its opinion, it necessary to grant the exemption in the public interest; and
any such exemption may be granted either unconditionally or subject of such conditions as may be speckified
in the notification.
(4) The Government may, on the application or with the consent of the Board of Directors of the
company, by order, modify in relation to that company of the requirement of this Act as to the matters to be
stated in the balance-sheet or profit and loss account for the purpose of adopting them to the circumstances of
the company;
(5) The balance sheet and the profit and loss account of a company shall not be treated as not disclosing a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company merely be reason of the fact that they do not disclose-
(i) in the case of an insurance company, any matters which are not required to be disclosed by
the Insurance Act,
1938 (IV of 1938);
(ii) in the case of a banking company, any matters which are not required to be disclosed by the
(iii) in the case of a company engaged in the generation or supply of electrify, any matters which
are not required to be disclosed by the Electricity Act, 1910 (IX of 1910);
(iv) in the case of a company governed by any other law for the time being inf force, any matters
which are not require to be disclosed by such law;
(v) in the case of any company, any matters which are not required to be disclosed by virtue of
the provisions contained in Schedule XI or by virtue of the notification issued under sub-section (3)
or an order issued under subsection (4).
(6) For the purposes of this section, except where the context otherwise requires any reference to
balances-sheet or to profit and loss account shall include any notes hereon or documents annexed thereto,
giving information required by this Act and allowed by this Act to be given in the form of such noted or
documents.
(7) If any such person as is referred to in sub-section (7) of section 181 fails to take all reasonable steps to
secure compliance by the company, as regards any accounts laid before the company in general meeting, with
this section and with the other requirements of this Act as to in the accounts, he shall, in respect of each
offence, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may
extend to five thousand taka or with both:
Provided that no person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for any such offence unless it was committed
willfully.
186. Balance sheet of holding company to include certain particulars as to its subsidiaries :-(1) There shall be
attached to the balance sheet of a holding company having a subsidiary or subsidiaries as the end of the
financial year as at which the holding company's balance sheet is made out, the following documents in
respect of such subsidiary or each such subsidiary, as the case may be-
(a) a copy of the balance sheet of the subsidiary;
(b) a copy of the its profit and loss account;
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(8) Where the financial year or years of a subsidiary referred to insub-section (5)) do not coincide with the
financial year of the holding company, a statement containing information on the followingmaters had also to
be attached to the balance sheet of the holding company:-
(a) whether there had been any changes and, if so what change took place in the holding company's
interest in the subsidiary between the end of the financial year or of the last of the financial years of the
subsidiary and the end of the holding company's financial year;
(b) details of any material change, which have occurred between the end of the financial year or of the
last of the financial years of the subsidiary and the end of the holding company's financial year in respect of-
(i) the subsidiary's fixed asset;
(ii) its investments;
(iii) the moneys borrowed by its for nay purpose other than that of meeting cured liabilities.
(9) If, for any reason, the Board of Directors of the holding company is unable to obtain information of
any of the matters requires to be specified by sub-secion (7), a report in writing to that effect shall be attached
to the balance sheet of the holding company.
(10) The document referred to in clause (e), (f) and (g) of sub- section (1) shall be signed by the persons by
whom the balance sheet of the holding company is required to be signed.
(11) The Government may on the application or with the consent of the Board of Directors of the
Company, direct that in relation to any subsidiary, the provisions of this section shall not apply, or shall apply
only to such extent as may be specified in the direction.
(12) If nay such person as is referred to in sub-section (70 of section 181 fails to take all reasonable steps
to comply with the provisions of this section, he shall, in respect of each offence, be punishable with
imprisonment for a terms which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extent to one thousand
taka, or with both:
Provided that in any proceedings against any person in respect of an offence under this section, it shall be a
defence to prove that a competent and reliable person was charged with the duty of seeing that the provisions
of this section were complied with and that he was in a position to discharge that duty:
Provided further that no person shall be sentenced to imprisonment for any such offence unless it was
committed willfully.
187. Financial year of holding company and subsidiary:-(1) Where it appears to the Government that it is
desirable for a holding company or a holding company's subsidiary to extent its financial year so that the
subsidiary's financial year many end with that of the holding company, and for that purpose to postpone the
submission of the relevant account to a general meeting, the Government may, on the application or with the
consort of the Board of Directors of the company whose financial year is to be extended, director that in the
case of that company, the submission of accounts to a general meeting, the holding of a general meeting or the
making of an annual return, shall not be required to be submitted or made earlier than the dates specified in
the direction not with standing anything to the contrary in this Act or in any other law for the time being in
force.
(2) The Government shall, on the application of the Board of directors of a holding company or a holding
company's subsidiary, exercise the powers conferred on its by sub-section (1), if it is necessary to doin order
to secure that the end of the financial year of the subsidiary does not precede the end of holding company's
financial year by more than six months, where that is not the case at he commencement of his Act or at the
date on which the relationship of holding company and subsidiary comes into existence where that date is later
than the commencement of this Act.
188. Right of holding company's representatives and member:- (1) A holding company may, by resolution
authorise its representatives named in the resolution to inspect the books of account of any such subsidiary
shall be open to open to inspection by those representatives at any time during business hours.
(2) The rights conferred by section 195 upon members of a company may be exercised, in respect of any
subsidiary, by such representative of the holding company as if they alone were members of the subsidiary.
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189. Authentication of balance sheet, profit and loss account, etc:- (1) Save as provided by sub-section (2),
every balance sheet, and every profit and loss account or income and expenditure account shall be signed on
behalf of the Board of
Directors-
(i) in the case of banking company, by the manager, or managing agent, if nay, and, where there
are more than three directors of the company, by at least three of those directors or, where there are
not more than three directors, by all the directors;
(ii) in the case of any other company, by its managing agent, manager or secretary, if any, and by
not less than two directors of the company one of whom shall be the managing director where there is
one.
(2) When the total number of directors of the company for the time being in Bangladesh is less than the
number of directors whose signatures are required by sub-section (1), then the balance sheet and profit and
loss account or the income and expenditure account shall be signed by all the directors for the time being in
Bangladesh, or if there is only one director for the time being in Bangladesh, by such director but in such case,
there shall be attached to the balance sheet, and the profit and loss account or the income and expenditure
account a statement signed by such director or directors explaining the reason for non-compliance with the
provisions of sub-section (1).
(3) The balance sheet and the profit and loss account or income and expenditure account shall be
approved by the Board of Directors before they are signed on behalf of the Board in accordance with the
provisions of this section and before they are submitted to the auditors for their report thereon.
(4) If any copy of a balance sheet or profit and loss account or income and expenditure account, which
had not been signed as required by sub-section (1) and (2), it issued, circulated or published or if any copy of
a balance sheet it issued, circulated or published with there being annexed or attached hereto, as the case may
be, a copy of that account, any accounts, reports or statements which, by virtue of section 186 are required to
be attached to the balance sheet, the auditors, report, and the Board's report referred to in section 185 or if any
default is made in complying with other requirement of this section the company and every office of the
company who is in default, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months
of with fine which may extend to two thousand taka or with both.
190. Copy of balance-sheet, etc. to be filed with Registrar: (1) After the balance sheet and profit and loss
account or the income and expenditure account, as the case may be, have been laid before a company at an
annual general meeting as aforesaid, there shall be filed with the Registrar, within thirty days from the date on
which the balance sheet and the profit and loss accounts were so laid, or where the annual general meeting of
a company for any year has not been held, there shall be filed with the Registrar within thirty days from the
last day on which that meeting should have been held in accordance with the provisions of this Act three
copies of the balance-sheet, and of the profit and loss account or the income and expenditure account, as the
case may by signed by the managing director, managing agent, a manger or secretary of the company or if
there be none of these, by a director of the company, together with three copies of all documents which are
required by this Act to be annexed or attached to such balance-sheet or profit and loss account or income and
expenditure account:
Provided that in the case of a private company, which is not an subsidiary of a public company, no person
other than a member of the company shall be entitled to inspect or to obtain copies of the profit and loss
account of that company.
(2) If the annual general meeting of a company before which a balancesheet is laid as aforesaid does not
adopt the balancesheet or, if the annual general meeting of a company for any year has not been half, a
statement of that fact and of the reasons therefor shall be annexed to the balance-sheet and to the copies
thereof required to be file with the Registrar.
(3) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, it shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding one hundred taka for every day during which the default continues, and every office of the
company who knowingly and willfully authorises or permits the default shall be liable to the like penalty.
191. Right of members to copies of account and report:- (1) A copy every balance sheet, including the profit
and loss account, the auditors report or the income and expenditure account and every other document
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required by law to be annexed or attached, as the case may be, to the balance sheet which is to be laid before a
company in general meeting shall, not less than fourteen days before the date the meeting, be sent free of
charge, to every member of the company, to every holder of debentures issued by the company, not being
debentures which ex-facie are payable to the bearer thereof, to every trustee for the holders of any debentures
issued by the company, whether such member, holder or trustee is or is not entitled to have notices of the
general meeting of the company sent to him, and to all persons other than such members, holders or trustees
being persons so entitled:
Provide that :-
(a) in the case of a company not having a share capital, this subsection shall not require the sending of a
copy of the document aforesaid to an member, or holder of debentures, of the company who is not entitled
to have notices of general meetings of the company sent to him;
(b) this sub-section shall not require a copy of the document aforesaid to be sent-
(i) to a members, or holder of debentures, of the company who is not entitled to have notices of
general meetings of the company sent to him and of show address the company is unaware;
(ii) to more than one of the joint holders of any shares of debentures none of whom is entitled to
have such notices sent to him; or
(iii) in the case of joint holders of any shares or debentures some of whom are and some of show
are not entitled, to have such notes sent to them, to those who are not entitled; and
(c) if the copies of the documents aforesaid are sent less than fourteen days before the date of the
meeting, they shall not withstanding that fact, be deemed to have been duly sent to the members entitled to
vote at the meeting if they do not raise any objection to such sending.
(2) Any member or holder of debentures of a company whether he is or is not entitled to have copies of
the company's balance sheet sent to him, shall, on demand, be entitled to be furnish without charge, and any
person from whom the company had accepted a sum of money by way of deposit shall, on demand
accompanied by the payment of fee of ten taka, be entitled to be furnished with a copy of the last balance
sheet of the company and of every document required, by law to be annexed or attached thereto, including the
profit and loss account and the auditor's report and such documents shall be delivered to him within seven
days from such demand.
(3) If default is made in complying with sub-section (1) and (2), the company, and, also every officer of
the company who is in default, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred taka.
(4) If, when a person makes a demand for a copy or any document with which he is entitled to be
furnished by virtue of sub-section (2) default is made in complying with the demand within seven days after
the making thereof, the company, and also every officer of the company who is in default, shall be punishable
with fine which may extend to five hundred taka, unless it is proved that the person had already made a
demand for and been furnished with copy of the document; and in case of such default, the Court, apart from
imposing the penalty, may also, by order, direct that the copy demanded shall forthwith be furnished to the
person concerned.
(5) Sub-section (1) to (4) shall not apply in relation to a balance sheet of a private company laid before it
before the commencement of this Act and in such a case the right of any person to have sent to him or to be
furnished with a copy of the balance sheet, and the liability of the company in respect of a failure to satisfy
that right, shall be the same as they would have been if this Act be had not been passed.
Statement to be published by Banking and certain other companies:-
192. Certain companies to publish statement in schedule:-(1) Every company being a limited Banking
company or an insurance company for a deposit, provident or benefit society shall, before, it commences
bushiness, and also on the first Monday in February and the First Monday in August in every year during
which it carries on business make a statement herein after referred to as the said statement in the form as in
Schedule XII, or as near thereto as circumstances will admit.
(2) A copy of the said statement together with a copy of the last audited balance sheet laid before the
members of the company shall be displayed and, until the display of the next following statement, kept
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displayed in a conspicuous place in the registered office of the company, and in every branch office or place
where the business of the company is carried on.
(3) Every member and every creditor of the company shall be entitled to a copy of the sum statement on
payment of a sum not exceeding five taka.
(4) If a company makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, it shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding one hundred taka for everyday during which the default continues; and, also every officer
of the company who knowingly and willfully authorises or permits the default shall be liable to the like
penalty.
(5) This section shall not apply to a life insurance company or provident insurance society, to which the
provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938 (IV of 1938), or any other insurance law for the time being in force as
to the annual statement to be made by such company or society apply with or without modification, if the
company or society complies with those provisions.
Investigation by the Registrar
193. Power of Registrar to call for information or explanation: - (1) Where the Registrar, on perusal of any
document which a company is required to submit to him under the provision of this Act, or on receipt of a
written objection against an such documents from any member of the company, is of opinion that any
information explanation is necessary in order that such document may afford full particulars of the matter to
which it purports to relate, he may, by a written order, call on the company to furnish in writing such
information or explanation or to produce such books or papers, as may be required by him within such time as
he may specify in his order.
(2) On the receipt of an order under sub-Section (1), it shall be the duty of all persons who are or have
been officer of the company to furnish such information or explanation (1) to the best of their power.
(3) If an such person refuse or neglects to furnish any such information or explanation, he shall be liable
to a fine not exceeding five hundred take in respect of each offence and the Court may, on the application
of the Registrar and upon notice to the company, make an order on the company for production of such
document as in its opinion may reasonable be Required by the registrar for his investigation and allow the
Registrar inspection thereof on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
(4) On receipt of such information or explanation, the Registrar may annex the same to the original
document submitted to him and any additional document so annexed by the Registrar shall be subject to
the like provisions as to inspection and the taking of copies as the original documents are subject.
(5) If such information or explanation or additional document is not furnished within the time specified
by the Court or the Registrar, or if after per*sual of such information or explanation or additional
document; the Registrar is of opinion that the document in question discloses an unsatisfactory state of
affairs, or that it does not discloses an unsatisfactory state of affairs, or that it does not disclose a full, fair,
and true, statement of the matters to which it purports to relate, the Registrar may direct the company to
correct the documents in the manner directed by him or may report in writing the circumstances of the case
to the government.
(6) If it is represented to the Registrar on materials placed before him by any member contributory,
creditor or any other person interested that the business of a company is being carried on in fraud of its
member, creditors or persons dealing with the company or for a fraudulent purpose that the affairs of the
company are not being managed in accordance with the provisions of this Act, he may after giving the
company an opportunity of being hear, by a written order, call on the company for information or
explanation on matters specified in the order or required the company to produce any document with such
time as he may specify in the order and the provision of sub-section (2), (3) and (5) of this section shall
apply to such order.
(7) If upon investigation, the Registrar is satisfied that any representation on which he had taken action
under sub-section
(6) is false, frivolous or vexatious, he shall disclose the identify of the informant to the company.
(8) The provisions of this section shall apply mutatis mutatis to documents which a liquidator is require to file
under this Act.
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194. Seizure of document by Registrar :- (1) Where upon any information, the Registrar has reasonable
ground to believe that books and papers of or relating to and company or other body corporate or any
managing agent or managing director or manager of such company or other body corporate, or any associate
of such managing agent or managing director or manager may be destroyed, mutilated, falsified or secreted
the Registrar may make an application to the Magistrate of the first class have jurisdiction for an order for the
seizure of such books and papers.
(2) After considering the application and hearing the Register. if necessary, the Magistrate may, be order,
authorise the Registrar-
(a) to enter, with such assistance as may be required, the place or places where
such books and papers are kept;
(b) to search that places or those place in the manner specified the order; (c) to
seize such books and papers as he considers necessary.
195. Investigation of affairs of company by inspectors:- The Government may appoint one or more
competent inspectors to investigate the affairs of any company and to report thereon in such manner as the
Government may direct-
(a) in the case of a company having a share capital, on the application of members holding not less than
one-tenth of the shares issues;
(b) in the case of a company not having a share capital, on the application of not less than one-fifty in
number of the person on the company is register of members;
(c) in the case of any other company, on a report by the Registrar undersection 193(5).
196. Application for inspection to be supported by evidence :- An application by members of a company
under section 195 shall be supported by such evidence as the Government may require for the purpose of
showing that the applicants have good requiring for requiring the investigation; and the Government may also,
before appointing an inspector, require the applicants to give security for payment of the costs of the inquiry.
197. Inspection of books and examination of officers:- Without prejudice to its powers under section 195,
the Government-
(a) shall appoint one or more competent persons as inspectors to investigate the affairs of a company and to
report thereon in such manner as the Government may direct, if the company, by a special resolution or, the
Court, by an order, declares that the affairs of the company ought to be investigated by an inspector-appointed
by the Government; and (b) may do so if, in the opinion of the Government, there are circumstances
suggesting-
(i) that the business of the company is being conducted with intent to defraud its creditors,
members any other persons, or otherwise for a fraudulent or unlawful purpose, or in a manner
oppressive of any of its members, or that the company was formed for any fraudulent or unlawful
purpose; or
(ii) that persons concerned in the formation of the company or the management of its affairs have
in connection therewith been guilty of fraud, misfeasance or other misconduct toward the company or
towards may of its members; or
(iii) that the members of the company have not been given all the informations with respect to its
affairs which they might reasonable expect.
198. Firm, body corporate or association not to be appointed inspect :- No firm, body corporate or other
association shall be appointed an inspector under section 195 or section 197.
199. Powers of inspectors to carry investigation into affairs of related companies or of managing agent or
associate :- (1) If any inspector appointed under section 195 or 197 to investigate the affairs of a company
thinks it necessary, for the purposes of his investigation, to investigate also the affairs of-
(a) any other body corporate which is, or was at any relevant time the company's subsidiary or holding
company's or a subsidiary of its holding company, of a holding company, of its subsidiary. (b) an other body
corporate which is to has at any relevant time been managed-
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(i) by any person as managing agent, or as managing director or as manager, who is, or was at the
relevant time, either the managing agent or the managing director or the manager of the company: or
(ii) by any person who is or was at the relevant time as associate of the managing agent; or
(iii) by any person of whom the managing agent is, or was at the relevant time, as associate; or
(c) any other body corporate which is, or was at any relevant time, managed by the company or whose
Board of Director comprises of nominees of the company or is accustomed to act in accordance with the
direction of-
(i) the company, or
(ii) any of the directors of the company, or
(iii)any company whose directorship is held by the employee of nominees of those having the
control and management of the first mentioned company; or
(d) any person, who is, or was at any relevant time, the company's managing agent, managing director or
manager of an associate of such managing agent, then the inspector shall, subject to the provision of sub-
section (2), have power to investigate and shall report on the affairs of the other body copperplate, the
managing agent, managing director, manager or associate of the managing agent, as for as he thinks that the
result of his investigating thereof are relevant to the investigation of the affairs of the first-mentioned
company.
(2) In the case of any body corporate or person referred to in clause (b) (ii) (iii), (c) or (d) of sub-section (1),
the inspector shall not exercise his affairs without first having obtained the prior approval of the government
thereto:
Provided that before according approval under this sub-section, the Government shall give the body corporate
or persons a reasonable opportunity to show cause as to why such approval shall not be accorded.
200. Production documents and evidence :- (1) It shall be the duty of all officers and employees and agents of
the company, and where the company is or was managed by a managing agent, and where the affairs of any
other body corporate or of a managing agent or of an associate of a managing agent are investigated by virtue
of section 199, of all officers and employees and agents of such body corporate, managing agent or associate,
and where such managing gent or associate is or was a firm of all partners in the firm-
(a) to preserve and to produce to the inspector or any person authorised by him in this behalf with
the previous approval of the government, all books and papers of, or relating to, the company or, as
the case may be, of or relating to the other body corporate, managing agent or associate which are in
their custody or powers; and
(b) otherwise to give to the inspector all assistance in connection with the investigation which
they are reasonably able to give.
(2) The inspector may, with the previous approval of the Government, require anybody corporate other
than a body corporate referred to in sub-section (1) to furnish such information, or produce such book, and
papers before, him or any person authorised by him in this behalf with the previous approval of the
Government as he may consider necessary, if the furnishing of such information or the production of such
books and papers is relevant or necessary for the purposes of his investigation.
(3) The inspector may keep in his custody any books and papers produced under sub-section (1) or (2) for
six months and thereafter shall return the same to the company, body corporate, firm or individual by
whom or on whose behalf the books and papers are produced:
Provided that the inspector may again call for the books and papers if they are needed again:
Provided further that if certified copies of the books and papers produced under sub-section (2), are furnished
to the inspector, he shall return those books; and papers to the body corporate concerned.
(4) An inspector may examine on oath any of the persons referred to in sub-section (1) or with the
previous approval of the Government, any other person, in relation to the affairs of the company, other
body corporate, managing agent or associate, as the case may be, and may administration oath accordingly
and for that purpose may require any of those persons to appear before him personally.
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(a) shall forward a copy of the final report to the company at its registered office, and also to any other
body, corporate, managing agent, or associate if dealt with in the report by virtue of section 199;
(b) may, if it thinks, fit furnish a copy thereof, on request and on payment of the prescribed fee, to any
person
(i) who is a member of the company or other body corporate including a managing agent or
associate of a managing agent where such managing agent or associate is a body corporate dealt
with in the report by virtue of section 199;
(ii) who si a partner in the firm where such managing agent or associate is a firm;
(iii)whose interest as a creditor of the company, other body corporate, managing agent or
associate aforesaid appears to the Government to be affected;
(c) shall, where the inspectors are appointed under clause (a) or (b) of section 195, furnish at the request
of the applicants for the investigation a copy of the report of them;
(d) shall, where the inspectors are appointed under clause (a) of section 197 in pursuance of and order of
the Court, furnish a copy of the report to the Court; and (e) may also cause the report to be published.
203. Prosecution- (1) If, from any report made under section 202 it appears to the Government that any person
has, in relation to the company or in relation to any other body corporate, managing agent, or associate of
other body corporate, managing agent, or associate of a managing agent whose affairs have been investigated
by virtue of section 199. been guilty of any offence for which he is criminally liable, the Government may
prosecture such person for the offence; and
It shall be the duty of all officer and employees and agents of the company, body corporate, managing agent or
associate, as the case may be, other than the accused in the proceedings, to give the Government all assistance
in connection with the prosecution which they are reasonably able to give.
(2) Subsection (7) of section 200 shall apply for the purpose of this section as it applies for the purposes of
that section.
204. Application for winding up of company or an order in that behalf- if any such company or other body
corporate or any such managing gaent, or associate, being body corporate, as is mentioned in section 199, is
liable to be wound up under this Act, and it appears to the Government from any such report as aforesaid that
it is expedient so to do by reasons of any crrcumstances as are referred to in sub- clause(i) or (ii) of clause (b)
of section 197, the Government may, unless the company, body corporate, managing agent or associate is
already being wound up by the Court, cause to be presented to the Court by the Registrar;
(a) a petition for the winding up of the company, body corporate, managing agent, or associate on the ground
that it is just and equitable that it should be wound up; (b) an application for an order under section 233;
(c) both a petition and an application as aforesaid.
205. Proceedings for recovery of damages or property-(1) If from any report made under section 201 it
appears to the Government that proceedings ought, in the public interest, to be brought by the ompany or
anybody corporate whose affairs have been invested in pursuance of clause (a), (b) or (c) of section 199.
(a) for the recovery of damages in repeat of any fraud, misfeasance or other misconduct in connection
with the promotion or formation, or the management of the asairs, or such company of body corporate; or
(b)for the necessary of any property of such company, or body corporate, which has been misapplied or
wrongfully retained: the Government may itself bring preceding for such purpose in the name of such
company or body corporate.
(2) The Government shall indemnify such company or body corporate against any costs or expencess incurred
by it in, or in connection with any proceedings brought by virtue sub-section (1), if such proceedings is found
to be frivolous.
206. Expenses of investigation -(1) The expenses of and incidental to an invesgatin by an inspector appointed
by the Government under section 195 or 197 shall be defrayed in the first instance by the Government; but the
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following persons shall, to the extent mentioned below, be liable to reimburse the Government in respect of
expenses of such investigation :-
(a) any persons who is convicted on a prosecution instituted in pursuance of section 203, and who is
ordered to pay damages or restore any property in the proceedings brought by virtue of section 205, may,
in the some proceedings be ordered to pay the said expenses to such extent as may be specified by the court
convicting such person, or ordering him to pay such damages or restore such property, as the case may be;
(b) in any company or body corporate in whose name proceedings are brought under section 205 (1) shall
be liable to pay the cost of the investigation but not exceeding the amount or value of any some or property
recovered by it as a result of the proceedings; and
(c) unless, as a result of the investigation, a prosecution is instituted in pursuance of section 203-
(i) any company, body corporate, managing agent, associate, managing director or manager dealt
with by report of the inspector shall be liable to reimburse the government in respect of the whole
expenses, unless and except in so far as the Government otherwise directs; and
(ii) the application for the investigation, where the inspector was appointed under clause (b) of
sub-section (i) shall be a first charge on the sums or property mentioned in that clause.
(3) The amount of expenses in respect of which any company, body corporate, managing agent, associate,
managing director or manager is liable under sub-clause (i) of clause (c) of sub-section (1) to reimburse the
Government, shall be recoverable from that company, body corporate, managing agent, associate, managing
director or manager, ask an arrears of land revenue.
(4) for the purposes of this section, any costs or expenses incurredely the Government in or in connection
with proceedings brought by virtue section 205 including expenses incurred by vi*ture of sub-section (2)
thereof shall be treated as expenses of the investigation giving rise to the proceedings.
(5) Any liability to reimburse the Government imposed by clause (a) and (b) of sub-section (1) shall,
subject to satisfaction of the right of the Government to reimbursement, be a liability also to indemnify all
persons against liability under clause (c) of that sub-section.
(6) Any such liability imposed by clause (a) of subsection (1) shall, subject to the right of the
Government as to reimbursement, be a liability also to indemnify all persons against liability under clause (b)
of the said sub-section.
(7) Any person liable under the clause (a) or (b) or (c) of sub- section (1) shall be entitled to contribution
from any other persons liable under the same clause or claises as the case may be, according to the amount of
their respective liabilities thereunder.
(8) In so far as the expenses to be defrayed by the Government under this section are not recovered
thereunder, they shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament.
207. Power of company to appoint inspectors-(1) A company may, by a special resolution, appoint inspectors
to investigate its affairs.
(2) Inspectors so appointed shall have the same powers and duties as inspectors appointed by the
Government, except that, instead of reporting to the government, they shall report in such manner and to such
persons as the company in general meeting may direct.
(3) All persons who are or were officers of the company shall incur the penalties in case of refusal to
produce any book or document required to be produced to inspectors so appointed, or to answer any question,
as they would have incurred if the inspectors had been appointed by the Government.
208. Report of the inspectors to be evidence.- a copy of the report of any inspector appointed under this
Act authenticated by the seal of a company whose affairs they have investigated, shall be admissible in any
legal proceeding as evidence of the opinion of the inspector in relation to any matter contained in the report.
209. Saving for legal adviser and bankers-Nothing in section 193 to 206 shall require the disclosure to the
Registrar or to the Government or to any inspector appointed by the Government-
(a) by a legal adviser, of any privileged communication made to him in that capacity, except as respect
the name and address of his client; or
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(b) by the bankers of any company, other body corporate, managing agents, or associate of he managing
agent or managing director or manager referred to in the sections aforesaid, as such bankers of any
information as to the affairs of any of there customers.
210. Appointment and remuneration of auditors-(1) Every company shall, at each annual general meeting
appoint an auditor or auditors to hold office from the conclusion of that meeting until the next annual general
meeting and shall within seven days of the appointment, give intimation thereof to every auditor so appointed:
Provided that no person can be appointed auditor of any company unless his written consent has been obtained
prior to such appointment or re-appointment.
(2) Every auditor appointed under sub-section (1) shall, within thirty days of the receipt from the company of
the intimation of hi appointment, inform the Registrar in writing that he has accepted, or refused to accept, the
appointment. (3) At any annual general meeting a retiring auditor, by whatsoever authority appointed, shall
be reappointed, unless-
(a) he is not qualified for re-appointment; or
(b) he has given the company notice in writings of his unwillingness to be re-appointed; or
(c) a resolution has been passed at that meeting appointing somebody else instead of him or
providing expressly that he shall not be re-appointed:
Provided that for the purpose of passing a resolution under clause (c), a notice thereof shall in accordance with
section 211 be issued prior to the meeting, and such resolution cannot be passed except on the ground of
death, incapacity or dishonesty of disqualification of the retiring auditor,
(4)if an appointment of an auditor is not made at an annual general meeting, the Government may
appoint a person to fill the vacancy.
(5)The company shall, within seven days of the Governments power under sub-section (4) becoming
exercisable, give notice of that fact to the Government; and, if a company fails to give such notice, the
company, and also every officer of the company who is in default, shall be punishable with fine which
may extent to one thousand take.
(6) The first auditor or auditors of a company shall be appointed by the Board of Directors within one
months of the date of Registration of the company, and the auditor or auditors so appointed shall hold
office until the conclusion of the first annual general meeting:
Provided that-
(a) the company may, at a general meeting remove any such auditor or all or any of such auditors
and appoint in his or their place any other persons or persons who have been nominated for
appointment by any member of the company, and or whose nomination notice has been given to the
members of the company not less than fourteen days before the date of the meeting: and
(b) if the Board of Directors fails to exercise its powers under this sub-section, the company in a
general meeting, may appoint the first auditor or auditors.
(7)The Board may fill any casual vacancy is the office of any auditor, but while any such vacancy
continues, the remaining auditor or auditors, if any, many act:
(8)Any auditor appointed in a causal vacancy shall hold office until the conclusion of the next annual
general metting.
(9) Except as provided in the process pursuant to sub-section (7), any auditor appointed under his section
may be removed from office before the expire of his term only by a special resolution of the company in
the general meeting.
(10) the remuneration of the auditors of a company-
(a) in the case of an auditor appointed by the Board or the Government, shall be fixed by the
Board or the Government respectively : and
(b) subject to clause (a), shall be fixed by the company in the general meting or in such manner as
the company in the general meeting may determine.
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(11) for
the purposes of sub-section (10), any sums paid by the company in respect of the auditors
expenses shall be deemed to be included in the expression "remuneration".
211. Provisions as to resolutions for appointing or removing auditors:-(1) Special notice shall be required for
a resolution at an annual general meeting appointing as auditor a person other than a retiring auditor, or
providing expressly that a retiring auditor shall not be re-appointed.
(2) On receipt of such notice the company shall forthwith send a copy thereof to the retirning auditor,
(3) Where such notice is given and the retiring auditor makes with respect thereto representation in
writing to the company and requests their notification to members of the company, the company shall,
unless the representation are received by it too late for it to do so-
(a) in any notice of the resolution given to members of the company, state the fact of the
representation having been made; and
(b) send a copy of the representation to every member of the company to whom notice of the
meeting is sent, whether before or after the receipt of the representation by the company, and if a copy
of the representation, is not sent as aforesaid because the were received too late or because of the
company default, the auditor may, without prejudice to his right to be heard orally, require that the
representation shall be read out at the meeting.
Provided that copies of the representation need not be sent out and the representations need not be read out at
the meeting if, on the application either of the company or of any other person who claims to be aggrieved, the
court is satisfied that the rights conferred by this sub-section are being abused to secure needless publicity for
defamatory matter; and the Court may order the company's costs on such an application to be paid whole or in
part by the auditor, notwithstanding that he is not a party to the application.
(4) sub-section (2) and (3) shall apply to a resolution to remove the first auditors or any of them under
sub-section (6) of section 210 or to the removal or any auditor or auditors under sub-section (8) of that
section, as they apply in relation to are solution that a retiring auditor shall not be re-appointed.
212. Qualification and disqualification of auditors:-(1) No persons shall be appointed an auditor of any
company unless he is a "chartered accountant" within the meaning of the Bangladesh Chartered Accountants
Order, 1973, (P.O. No. 2 of 1973):
Provided that a firm whereof all the partners practising in Bangladesh are qualified for appointment as
aforesaid may be appointed by its firm name to be auditor of company in which case any of the auditors so
practising may act in the name of the firs.
(2) None of the following persons shall be qualified for appointment as auditor of a company namely-
(a) an officer or employee of the company;
(b) a person who is partner, or who is in the employment of an officer or employee of the
company;
(c) a person who is indebted to the company for an amount exceeding one thousand taka, or who
had given any guarantee or provided any security in connection with the indebtedness of any third
person to the company for an amount exceeding one thousand taka:
(d) a person who is director or member of a partner company, or a partner of a firm, which is the
managing agent of the company;
(e) a person who is a director, or the holder of shares exceeding five percent in nominal value of
the subscribed capital, of any body corporate which is the managing agent of the company.
Provided that where any shares held by a person as nominee or trustee for any third person and in which the
holder has no beneficial interest such shares shall be excluded in computing the extent of the subscribed
capital for the purpose of this clause.
Explanation :- For the purposes of this sub-section the word "officer" or "employee" shall not in include an
auditors.
(3) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as an auditor of a company, if-
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(a) he, according to sub-section (2)0, is disqualified for appointment as auditor of any other body
corporate which is that company's subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of that company's
holding company's; (b) he would be disqualified for such appointment, had the said body corporate
been a company.
(4) If an auditor becomes subject, after his appointment to any of the disqualification's specified in sub-
section (2) and (3), he shall be deemed to have vacated his office as such.
213. Power and duties of auditors:- (1) Every auditor of a company shall have a right of access at all times to
the books and accounts and vouchers of the company, whether kept at the head office of the company or
elsewhere and shall be entitled to require from the officers of the company such information and explanation
as the auditor may think necessary for the performance of his duties as auditor.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the auditor shall, in particular inquire into
following namely:-
(a) Whether loans and advances made by the company on the basis of security have been
properly secured and whether the terms on which they have been made are not prejudicial to the
interests of the company or its members:
(b) Whether transactions of the company which are represented merely as book-entries are
prejudicial to the interests of the company;
(c) where the company is not an investment company or a banking company, whether so much of
the assets of the company as consist of shares, debentures and other seeurities, have been sold at a
price less than at which they were purchased by the company;
(d) whether loans and advances made by the company have been shown as deposits;
(e) whether personal expenses have been charged to revenue account;
(f) where it is stated in the books and paper of the company that any shares have ben allotted for
cash, whether cash has actually been received in respect of such allotment, and if no cash has
actually been so received, whether the position as stated in the account books and the balance sheet
is correct, regular and not misleading.
(3) The auditor shall make a report to be presented in the annual general meeting of he company on the
accounts, examined by him, and on every balance sheet and profit and loss account and on every other
document declared by this Act to be part of or annexed to the balance sheet or profit and loss accounts
which are laid before the company in general meeting during his tenure of office and the report shall state
whether, in his opinion and to the best of his information and according to the explanation given to him,
the said accounts give the information required by this Act in the manner so required and give a true and
fair view-
(a) in the case of the balance sheet, of the state of the company's affairs as at the end of its
financial year; (b) in the case of the profit and loss account, of the profit or loss for its financial
year.
(4) The auditors report shall also state-
(a) whether he has obtained all the information and explanation which to the best of his
knowledge and belief were necessary for the purposes of his audit;
(b) whether, in his opinion, proper books of account as required by law have been kept by the
company so far as appears from his examination of those books and proper returns adequate for the
purposes of his audit have been received from branches not visited by him;
(c) whether the company's balance sheet and profit and loss account dealt with by the report are
in agreement with the books of account and returns.
(5) There any of the matters referred to in clauses(a) and (b) of sub- section (3) or in clauses (a), (b) and
(c) of sub-section
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(4) are answered in the negative or with a qualification, the auditoris report shall state the reason for the
answer.
(6) The Government may, be general or special order, direct that in the case of such class or description
of companies as may be specified in the order, the auditors report shall also include a statement on such
matters as may be specified therein.
(7) The accounts of a company shall not be deemed as not having been and the auditors reportt shall not
state that those accounts have not been, properly drawn up on the ground merely that the company has not
disclosed certain matters, of-
(a) those matters are such as the company is not required to disclose by virtue of any provision
contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force; and
(b) those provisions are specified in the balance sheet and loss account of the company.
214. Audit of accounts of branch office of company:-(1) Where a company has a branch office, the accounts
of that office shall, be audited by the company's auditors at their option, or where the branch office is situated
in a country outside Bangladesh, the accounts of the office shall be audited either by the company's auditor or
by a person duly qualified to act as an auditor of the accounts of the branch office in accordance with the laws
of that country, if so decided by the shareholders in a general meeting.
(2) Where the accounts of any branch office are audited by a person other than the company's auditor, the
company's auditor-
(a) shall be entitled to visit the branch office, if he deems it necessary to do so for the
performance of his duties as auditor; and
(b) shall have a right of access at all times to be books and accounts and vouchers of the company
maintained at the branch office;
Provided that in the case of a banking company having a branch office outside Bangladesh, is shall be
sufficient if the auditor is allowed access to such copies of, and extracts from the books and accounts of the
branch as have been transmitted to the principal office of the company in Bangladesh.
215. Signature of audit report, etc:- Only the person appointed as auditor of the company, or where a firm
is so appointed in pursuance of the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 212, only a partner in the firm
practising in Bangladesh shall put his signature on the auditor's report, or any other document required of the
company by law to be signed or authenticated by the auditor.
216. Reading and inspection of auditor's report:- The auditors report shall be read before the company in
general meeting and shall be open to inspection by any member of the company.
217. Right of auditor to attend general meeting-All notices of an other communications relating to any
general meeting of a company which any member of the company is entitled to have sent to him shall also be
forwarded to the auditor of the company, and the auditor shall be entitled to attend any general meeting and to
be heard at any general meeting which he attends on any part of the business which concerns him as auditor.
218. Penalty for non-compliance with section 211 to 217- If default is made by a company in compalying
with any of the provisions contained in section 211 to 217, the company, and also every officer of the
company who is in default, shall be punishable with fine with which may extend to one thousand taka.
219. Penalty for non-compliance by auditor with section 213 and 215.- If any auditors report is made or
any document of the company is signed or authenticated otherwise than in conformity with the requirement
of sections 231 215, the auditor concerned, and any other person, who signs the report or signs or
authenticates the document, shall if the default is wilful, be punishable with fine which may extend to one
thousand taka.
220. Audit of certain matters by Cost and Management Accountants.- (1) where in the opinion of the
Government, it is necessary to do in relation to any company required under clause-(d) of sub-section (1) of
section 181 to include in its books of accounts the particular referred to therein the Government may, by
order, direct that an audit of cost accounts of the company shall be conducted in such manner as may be
specified in the order by an auditor who shall be a Cost and management accountant" within the meaning of
the Cost and Management Accounts Ordinance, 1977 (L III of 1977).
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(2) An audit conducted by an auditor under this section shall be in addition to an audit conducted by an
auditor appointed under section 210.
(3) The provisions relating to audit of a company specified in this Act mutatis mutandis, and so far as
they are applicable, apply to an audit conducted under this section.
221. Right of preference shareholders and debenture holders as to receipts and inspection of reports, etc:- (1)
Holders of preference shares debenture holders of a company shall have the same right to receive and inspect
the balance sheets and profit and loss account of the company and the reports of the auditors and other reports
as is possessed by the holders of ordinary shares in the company.
(2) This section shall not apply to a private company, nor to a company registered before the commencement
of this Act:-
Provided that in the case of any public company whether registered before on after the commencement of this
Act, the trustees for holders of debentures shall have the right conferred sub-section(1).
Carrying on business with less than the legal minimum of members.
222. Liability for carrying on business with fewer than seven or, in the case of a private company, two
members:- If at any time the number of members of a company is reduced, in the case of a private company,
below two or, in the case of any other company, below seven and it carries on business for more than six
mouths, while the number is so reduced every person who is a member of the company during the time that it
so carries or business during that periods and is cognisant of the fact that it is carrying on business with fewer
than two members or seven members, as the case may be, shall be individually liable for the payment of the
whole debts of the company contracted during that time and may be used for the same without joinder in the
suit of any other member. Service and Authentication of Documents
223. Service of documents on company:- A document may be served on a company by leaving it at, or
sending it by post to, the registered office of the company.
224. Service of documents of Registrar:- A document may be served on the Registrar by sending it to him
by post, or delivering it to him, or by leaving it for him, at his office.
225. Authentication of documents:- A document or proceeding requiring authentication by a company may
be signed by a director, secretary or other authorsied officer of the company, and need not be under its
common seal. Schedules and Rules as to prescribed matters
226. Application and alteration of schedules and power to make rules as to prescribed matters:-(1) The
forms specified in Schedules VI to XII or forms as near thereto as circumstances admit shall be used in all
matters to which those forms refer.
(2) The Government may alter any of the Schedules except Schedule II
(3) Any alteration made under sub-section (2) shall be published in the official Gazette and on such
publication the Schedules so altered shall have effect as if enacted in this Act, but no alteration made by
the Government in Schedule I, shall affect any company registered before the alteration as respects that
company or any portion of that Schedule.
(4) In addition to the powers herein before conferred by this section, the Government may make rules
providing for all or any maters which by this Act are to be prescribed by its authority.
(5) Every such rule shall be published in the official Gazette, and on such publication shall have effect as
if enacted in this Act.
Arbitration and Compromise
227. Power of companies to refer matters to arbitration.-(1) A company may by written agreement, refer to
arbitration, in accordance with the arbitration act, 1940 (X of 1940), on existing or future difference between
itself and any other company or person.
(2) Companies may delegate to the arbitrator power to settle any terms or to determine any matter capable
of being lawfully settled or determined by the companies themselves, or by their director or other managing
body.
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(3) The provision of the Arbitration Act, 1940 (X of 1940), shall apply to all arbitration's between
companies and persons in pursuance of this Act.
228. Power to compromise with creditors and members.-(1) Where a compromise or arrangement is proposed
between the company and its members or any class of them, the Court may, on the application in summary
way of the company or of any creditor or member of the company or, in the case of a company being wound
up, of the liquidator, order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, or the members of the company or
class of members, as the case may be, to be called, held and conducted in such manner as the Court directs.
(2) If a majority in mumber representing three-fourths in value of creditors, or of members as the case
may be, present either in person or by proxy at the meeting, agree to any compromise or arrangement, the
compromise or arrangement shall if sanctioned by the Court be binding on all the creditors or the class of
creditors, on or all the members or class of members, as the case may be, and also on the company, in the case
of a company in the course of being wound up, on the liquidator and contributories of the company.
(3) An order made under sub-section (2) shall have no effect until a certified copy of the order has been
filed with the Registrar, and copy of every such order shall be annexed to every copy of the memorandum of
the company issued after the order has been made, or in the case of a company not having a memorandum, of
every copy so issued of the instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company.
(4) If a company makes default in complying with sub-section(3), the company and also every officer of
the company, who is knowingly and willfully in default, shlall be liable to a fine not exceeding fifty take for
each copy in respect of which the default is made.
(5) The Court may, at anytime after an application has been made to it under this section, stay the
commencement or continuation of any suit or proceeding against a company on such terms as it thinks fit and
proper until the application is finally disposed of.
(6) In this section, her expression "company" means any company liable to be wound up under this Act
and the expression "arrangement" includes a reorganisation of the share capital of the company by the
consolidation of shares of different classes or by the division of shares into shares of different classes or by
both, those methods and, for the purposes of this section unsecured creditors who may have filed suits or
obtained decrees shall be deemed to be of the same class as other unsecured creditors.
(7) An appeal shall lie from any order made by the Court exercising original jurisdiction under this
section to the authority authorised to hear appeals from the decision of the Court.
229. Provisions for facilitating arrangements and compromises.-(1) Where an application is made to the Court
under section 228 for the sanctioning of a compromise or arrangement proposes between a company and any
such persons as are mentioned in that section, and it is shown to the court that the compromise or arrangement
has been proposed for the purposes of, or in connection with, a scheme for the reconstruction of any
company or companies to the amalgamation of any two or more companies, and that under the scheme the
whole or any part of the undertaking and the property of any company concerned in the scheme, in this section
referred to as a transferor company, is to be transferred to another company in this section referred to as the
transferee company, the Court may, either by the order sanctioning the compromise or arragemennt or by any
sub-sequent order, make provision for all or any of the following matters :-
(a) the transfer to the transferee company of the whole or any part of the undertaking and of the
property or liabilities of any transferor company;
(b) the alloting or appropriation by the transferre company of shares, debentures, policies, or
other like interests in that company which under the compromise or arrangement are to be alloted
or appropriated by that company to or for any person;
(c) the continuation by or against the transferee company of any legal proceedings pending by or
against any transferor company;
(d) the dissolution, without winding up, of any transferor company;
(e) the provision to be made for any person who, within such time and in such manner as the
Court directs, dissents from the compromise or arrangement;
(f) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as are necessary to secure that the
reconstruction or amalgamation shall be fully and effectively carried out.
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(2) Where an order under this section provides for the transfer of property or liabilities, that property shall
be virtue of the order, be tranaferred to and vest in, and those liabilities shall be virtue of the order transferred
to and become the liabilities of the transferee company, and in the case of any property, if the order so directs,
it shall be freed from any charge which is, by virtue of the compromise or arrangement or cease to have effect.
(3) Where an order is made under this section, every company in relation to which the order is made shall
cause a certified copy thereof to be delivered to the Registrar for registration within fourteen days after the
completion of the order, and if, default is made in complying with the sub-section, the company and also
every officer of the company who is knowingly and wilfully in default, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding
two hundred taka.
(4) In this section, the expression "property" includes property, rights and powers of every description,
and the expression "liabilities" includes duties.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (6) of section 228, the expression "company" in this
section does not include any company other than a company within the meaning of this Act.
230. Power to acquire shares of shareholders dissenting from schemes of contract approved by majority:-
(1) Where-
(a) a scheme or contract involves the transfer of shares or any class of shares in a company, in
this section referred to as the transferor company, to another company, whether a company within the
meaning of this Act or not, in this section referred to as the transferee company; and
(b) within one hundred and twenty days after the making of the offer in that behalf by the
transferee company, the offer has been approves by the holders of not less than three-fourths in value
of the shared affected, the transferee company may, at anytime within sixty days after the expiration of
the said one hundred and twenty days, give notice in the prescribed manner to any dissenting
shareholder that it desires to acquire his shares.
(2) Where such a notice is given under sub-section(1), the transferee company shall unless on an
application made by the dissenting shareholder within thirty days from the date on which the notice was given
the Court thanks fit to order otherwise; be entitled and bound to acquire those shares on the terms on which
under the scheme or contract the shares of the approving share holders are to be transferred to the transferee
company.
(3) Any sums received by the transferor company under this section shall be paid in to a separate bank
account and any such sums and any other consideration so received shall be held by that company on trust for
the several persons entitled to the shares in respect of which the said sums or other consideration were
respectively received.
(4) In this section, the expression "dissenting shareholder" includes a share holder who has not assented
to the scheme or contract and any shareholder who has failed or refused to transfer his shares to the transferee
company in accordance with the scheme or contract.
Conversion of private company into public company and vice-versa
231. Conversion of private company into public company.--(1) If a company being a private company having
at least seven members afters its articles in such manner that they no longer include the provisions which,
under clause of subsection (1) of section 2 of this Act, are required to be included in the articles of a company
in order to constitute it a private company, the company-
(a) shall as on the date of the alteration cease to be a parivate company; and
(b) shall within a period of this thirty days after the said date file with the Registrar either a
prospectus or a statement in lieu of prospectus containing the particulars set out in Part 1 and the
reports specified in Part II of Schedule IV and the said Parts I and II shall have effect subject to the
provisions contained in Part III of that Schedule.
(2) If default is made in complying with sub-section (1) the company, and also every officer of the
company who is in default, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two
years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand take or with both.
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(3) For the purposes of sub-section (3) and clause (a) of sub-section (4) the expression "included" when
used with reference to a prospectus or statement in lieu of prospectus, means included in the prospectus or
statement in lieu of prospectus itself or contained in any report or memorandum appearing on the face
thereof, or by reference incorporated therein.
232. Amendment of articles for conversion of a public company into private company.-(1) A public company,
having not more than fifty members at the time of conversion, may be converted into a private one by passing
a special resolution altering its articles so as to exclude provisions, if any, in the articles of association
applicable to public company and include therein provisions applicable to a private company.
(2) If the company has secured creditions, their wittren consent shall have to be obtained before passing a
resolution as per provision of subsection (1) and the shares enlisted with the stock Exchange shall have to be
delisted.
Protection of minority interest
233. Power of Court to give direction for protectiong interest of the minority.-(1) Subject to fulfilment of the
conditions of the required minimum as specified in section 195 (a) and (b) any member or debentureholder of
a company may either individually or jointly bring to the notice of the court by application that-
(a) the affairs of the company are being conducted or the powers of the directors are being
exercised in a manner prejudicial to one or more of its members or debenture holders or in disregard
of his or their interest; or
(b) the company is acting or is likely to act in a manner which discriminated or is likely to
discriminate the interest of any member or debenture holder;
(c) a resolution of the members, debenture holders or any class of them has been passed or is
likely to be passed which discriminates or is likely to discriminate the interest of one or more of the
members or likely to debenture holder: and pray for such order, as in his or their opinion, would be
necessary for safeguarding his or their interest and also the interest of any other member or debenture
holder.
(2) The Court shall, on receipt of an application under sub-section(1) send a copy thereof to the Board
and fix a date for hearing the application
PART VI
WINDING UP
Preliminary
234. Mode of winding up.--(1) The winding up of a company may be either.
(i) by the Court; or
(ii) voluntary; or
(iii) subject to the supervision of the Court.
(2) The provisions of this Act with respect to winding up shall apply, to the winding up of a company
in any of these modes, unless any thing contrary appears.
Contributories
235. Liability as Contributories of present and past members.-- (1) In the event of a company being
would up every present and past members shall, subject to the provisions of this section, be liable to
contribute to the assets of the company to an amount sufficient for payment of its debts and liabilities
and the coasts, charges and expenses of the winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the
Contributories among themselves, with the qualifications following, that is to say:--
(i) a past member shall not be liable to contribute if he has ceased to be a member for one year
or upwards before the commencement of the winding up;
(ii) a past member shall not be liable to contribute in respect of any debt or liability of the
company contracted after he ceased to be a member;
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(iii)a past member shall not be liable to contribute unless it appears to the Court that the existing
members are unable to satisfy the contributions required to be made by them in pursuance of this
Act;
(iv) in the case of a company limited by shares, no contribution shall be required from any
member exceeding the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares in respect to which he is liable as a
present or past member;
(v) in case of a company limited by guarantee, no contribution shall be required from any
member exceeding the amount undertaken to be contributed by him to the assets of the company in
the event of its being wound up;
(vi) nothing in this Act shall invalidate any provision contained in any policy of insurance or
other contract where by the liability of individual members on the policy or contract is restricted or
whereby the funds of the company are alone made liable in respect of the policy or contract;
(vii) a sum due to any member of a company in his character of a member, by way of dividends,
profits or otherwise, shall not be deemed to be a debt of the company payable to that member in a
case of competition between himself and any other creditor who is not a member of the company.
237. Meaning of "contributory".-- The term "contributory" means every person liable to contribute
to the assets of a company in the event of its being would up, and, in all proceedings for determining
and in all proceedings prior to the final determination of the persons who are to be deemed
contributries, includes any person alleged to be a contributory.
238. Nature of liability of contributory.-- (1) The liability of the contributory shall create a debt
payable at the time specified in the calls made on him by the liquidator.
(2) No claim founded on the liability of a contributory shall be congizable by any Court of Small
Causes,
239. Contributories in case of death of member.--(1) If a contributory dies either before or after the
has been placed on the list of Contributories, his, legal representatives and his heirs shall be liable in
the due course, of admini--ministration to contribute to the assets of the company in discharge of his
liability and shall be Contributories accordingly.
(2) If the legal representatives or heirs make default in paying any money ordered to be paid by
them, proceedings may be taken for administering the property of the deceased contributory, whether
movable or immovable, or both, and for compelling payment there out of the money due.
(3) For the purpose of this section, the surviving coparceners of a contributory who is a member
of a Hindu Joint Family governed by the Mitakshara School of Hindu Law shall be deemed to be his
legal representatives and heirs.
240. Contributories in case of insolvency of member.-- If a contributory is adjudged insolvent either
before or after he has been placed on the list of contributors, then--
(a) his assignese shall represent him for all the purposes of the winding up, and shall be
contributories accordingly, and may be called on to admit to prove against the estate of the insolvent,
or otherwise to allow to be paid out of his assets in due course of law, any money due from the
insolvent in respect of his liability to contribute to the assets of the company; and
(b) there may be proved against the estate of the insolvent the estimated value of his liability to
future calls as well as already made. Winding up by Court
241. Circumstances in which company may be wound up by Court.-- A company may be wound up
by the Court; if--
(i)if the company has by special resolution resolved that the company be wound up by the
Court; or
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(ii) if default is made in filing the statutory report or in holding the statutory meeting; or;
if the company does not commence its business within a year from its incorporation, or
(iii)
suspends its business for a whole year; or
(iv)if the number of members is reduced, in the case of a private company below two, or, in the
case of any other company, below seven; or
(v) if the company is unable to pay its debts; or
(vi) if the Court is of opinion that it is just and equitable that the company should be wound up.
242. Company when deemed unable to pay its debts.--(1) A company shall be deemed to be unable to
pay its debts--
(i) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise, to whome the company is indebted for a sum
exceeding five hundred take then due, has served on the company, by causing the same to be
delivered by registered post or otherwise at its registered office, a demand under his hands
requiring the company to pay the sum so due and the company has for three weeks thereafter
neglected to pay the sum or to secure or compound for it to the reasonable satisfaction of the
creditor; or
(ii) if execution or other process issued on a decree or order of any court in favour of a
creditor of the company is returned unsatisfied in whole or in part; or
(iii) if it is proved to the satisfaction of the Court that the company is unable to pay its
debuts, the Court shall take into account the contingent and prospective liabilities of the
company.
(2) The demand referred to in clause (i) of sub--section (1) shall be deemed to have been duly given
under the hand of the creditor if it is signed by an agent or legal advisor duly authorised on his
behalf, or in the case of a firm, if it is signed by such agent, or by a regal adviser or by any one
member of the firm on behalf of the firm.
243. Winding up may be referred to District Court.-- Where the High Court Division makes as
order for winding up of a company under this Act it may, if it thinks fit, direct all subsequent
proceedings to be had in a District Court, and thereupon such District Court shall for the purpose of
winding up the company, be deemed to be "the Court" within the meaning of this Act and shall have,
fir the perposes of such winding up, all the jurisdiction and powers of the High Cour Division.
244. Transfer of winding up from one District Court to another.-- If during the progress of a
winding up in a District Court it is made to appear to the High Court Division that the same may be
more conveniently prosecuted in any other District Court, the High court Division may transfer the
same to such other District Court, and there upon the winding up shall proceed in such other District
Court, and at any state of such proceedings, that Division may with draw the proceedings from any
of such District Courts and dispose it of.
245. Provisions as to applications for winding up.-- An application to the Court for the winding up
of a company shall be by petition presented, subject to the provisions of this section, either by the
company, or by any creditor or creditors, including any contingent or prospective creditor or
creditors, contributory or contributors, or by all or any of those parties, together or separately or by
the Registrar:
Provided that--
(a) a contributory shall not be entitled to present a petition for winding up a company, unless--
(i) either the number of members is reduced in the case of a private company, below two, or, in
the case of any other company, below seven; or
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(ii)the shares in respect of which he is a contributory or some of them either were originally
allotted to him or have been held by him, and registered in his name for at least six months during
the eighteen months before the commencement of the winding up, or have devolved on him
through the death of a former holder; (b) the Registrar shall not be entitled to present a petitions
for winding up a company--
(i) except on the ground from the financial condition of the company as disclosed in its
balance sheet or from the report of an inspector appointed under section 195 or, in a case
falling within section 204, it appears that the company is unable to pay its debts; and
(ii) unless the previous sanction of the Government has been obtained to the presentation
of the petition:
Provided that no such sanction shall be given unless the company has first been afforded an
opportunity of being heard.
(c) a petition for winding up of a company on the ground of default in filing the statutory report
or in holding the statutory meeting shall not be presented by any person except by a shareholder, nor
before the expiration of fourteen days after the last day on which the meeting ought to have been
held;
(d) the Court shall not give a hearing to a petition for winding up of a company by a contingent
or prospective credition until such security for costs has been given as the Court thinks resonable and
until a prima fccie case for winding up has been established to the satisfaction of the Court.
246. Effect of winding up order.-- An order for winding up of a company shall operate in favour of
all the creditors and of all the contributories of the company as if made on the join petition of a
credition and of a contributory.
247. Commencement of winding up by Court.-- A winding up of a company by the Court shall be
deemed to commence at the time of the presentation of the petition for the winding up.
248. Court may grant injunction.-- The Court may, at any time after the presentation of the petition
for winding up of a company under this Act and before making an order for winding up the
company, upon the application of the company or of any creditor or contributory of the company,
restrain further proceedings in any suit or proceedings against the company and may also pass other
similar order upon such terms as the Court thinks fit.
249. Powers of Court on hearing peititon.--(1) On hearing the petition, the Court may dismiss it
with or without costs, or adjourn the hearing conditionally or unconditionally, or make any interim
order or any other order which, it deems just, but the Court shall not refuse to make a winding up
order on the ground only that the assets of the company have been mortgaged to an amount equial to,
or in excees of, those assets or that the company has no assets.
(2) Where the petition is presented on the ground of default in filing the statutory report or in
holding the statutory meeting the Court may order the costs to be paid by any persons who, in the
opinion of the Court, are responsible for the default.
(3) Where the Court makes an order for the winding up of a company, it shall, except where a
liquidator is appointed simultaneously, forthwith cause intimation thereof to be sent to the official
receiver.
250. Suits stayed on winding up order.-- When a winding up order has been made or a provisional
liquidator has been appointed, no suit or other legal proceedings shall be proceeded with or
commenced against the company except by leave of the Court and subject to such terms as the Court
may impose.
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251. Vacancy in the office of liquidator.--(1) For the purposes of this Act, so far as it relaters to the
winding up of companies by the Court, or, if there is no such official receiver, then such person as
the Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint for the purpose.
(2) On the making of a winding up order the official receiver shall become the official liquidator
of the company and shall continue to act as such until his further continuance is terminated by an
order of the Court.
(3) The official receiver shall, as the official liquidator, forthwith take into his custody and
control all the books, documents and the assets of the company.
(4) The official receiver shall be entitled so such remuneration as the Court shall fix.
252. Copy of winding up order to be filed with the Registrar.--(1) On the making of a winding up
order, it shall be the duty of the petitioner in the winding up proceedings and of the company to file
with the Registrar a copy of the order within thirty days from the date of the making in the order.
(2) On the filing of a copy of a winding up order, the Registrar shall register a summary thereof
in his books relating to the company, and shall notify in the official Gazette that such an order has
been made.
(3) Such order shall be deemed to be notice of discharge to the servants of the company except
when the business of the company is continued.
253. Power of Court to stay winding up.-- The Court may, at any time after an order for winding
up, on the application of any creditor or contributor, and on proof to the satisfaction of the Court that
all proceedings in relation to the winding up ought to be stayed, make an order staying the
proceedings, either altogether or for a limited time, on such terms and conditions as the Court thinks
fit.
254. Court may have regard to wishes of creditors or contributories-- The Court may, as to all
matters relating to a winding up, have regard to the wishes of the creditors or contributories as
proved to it by any sufficient evidence.
Official Liquidator
255. Appointment of official liquidator.--(1) For the purpose of conducting the proceedings in
winding up a company and performing such duties in reference thereto as the Court may impose, the
Court may appoint a person or persons, other than the official receiver, to be called an official
liquidator or official liquidators.
(2) The Court may make such an appointment provisionally at any time after the presentation of
a petition and before the making of an order for winding up, but shall, before making any such
appointment, give notice to the company unless for reasons to be recorded it thinks fit to dispense
with such notice.
(3) If more persons than one are appointed to the office of official liquidator, the Court shall
declare whether any act, by this Act required or authorised, to be done by the official liquidator is
to be done by all or any one or more of such persons.
(4) The Court may determine whether any and what security is to be given by any official
liquidator on his appointment.
(5) The acts of an official liquidator shall be valid notwithstanding any defect that may
afterwards be discovered in his appointment.
Provided that nothing in this sub--section shall be deemed to give validity to acts done by an official
liquidator after his appointment has been show to be invalid.
(6) A receiver shall not be appointment of assets in the hands of an official liquidator.
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256. Resignations, removals, filling up vacancies and compensation.-- (1) Any official liquidator
may resign, or may be removed by the Court on due cause shown.
(2) Any vacancy in the office of an official liquidator appointed by the Court shall be filled up by
the Court and until the vacancy is so filled up the official receiver shall be and act as the official
liquidator.
(3) There shall be paid to the official liquidator such salary or remuneration by way of percentage
or otherwise, as the Court may direct and if more liquidators that one are appointed, such
remuneration shall be distributed amongst them in such proportions as the Court directs.
257. Official liquidator.-- The official liquidator shall be described by the style of the official
liquidator of the particular company in respect of which he is appointed, and not by his individual
name.
258. Statement of affairs to be made to the liquidator.--(1) Where the Court has made a winding up
order or appointment an official liquidator provisionally, there shall, unless the Court thinks fit to
order otherwise and so orders, be made out and submitted to the official liquidator a statements as to
the affairs of the company verified by an affidavit and containing the following particulars, namely:--
(a) the assets of the company, staying separately the cash balance in hand and in the
bank, if any; (b) the debts and other liabilities;
(c) the names, residences and occupations of the creditors stating separately the amount
of secured debts and unsecured debts, and in the case of secured debts, particulars of the
securities, their value and the dates when they were given;
(d) the debts due to the company and the names residences and occupations of the
persons from whom they are due and the amount likely to be realised therefrom.
(2) The said statement shall be submitted and verified by one or more of the following persons.--
(a) the persons who were at the relevant date the directors and the person who was at that date
the secretary, manager or other chief officer of the company, or.
(b) such other person as the official liquidator may, subject to he direction or Court, require to
submit and verify the statement, and the said other persons are the persons--
(i) who are or had been directors or officers of the company;
(ii) who have taken part in the formation of the company at anytime within one year
before the relevant date;
(iii)who are in the employment of the company or had been in the employment of the
company within the said year referried to in sub-- section (ii) above, and are, in the opinion
of the official liquidator, capable of giving the information required;
(iv) who are or had been within the said year to which the statement relates officers of or
in the employment of a company.
(3) The statement small be submitted within twenty-one days from the relevant date, or within
such extended time as the official liquidator or the Court may, for special reasons appoint.
(4) Any person making or concurring in making the statement and affidavit required by this
section shall be allowed, and shall be paid by the official liquidator or provisional liquidator at the
case may be out of the assets of the company, such costs and expended incurred in and about the
preparation and making of the statement and affidavit as the official liquidator may consider
reasonable, subject to an appeal to the Court.
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(5) If any person, without reasonable excuse, knowingly and wilfully make default in complying
with the requirements of this section, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred take for
every day during which the default continues.
(6) Any person stating himself in writing to be a creditor or contributory of the company shall be
entitled by himself on by his agent at all reasonable times, on payment of the prescribed fee, to
inspect the statement submitted in pursuance of this section and to a copy thereof or extract
therefrom.
(7) Any person untruthfully so stating himself to be a creditor or contributory shall be guilty of
an offence under section 182 of the Penal Code, 1860 (XIV of 1860), and shall, on the application of
the liquidator or of the receiver be punishable accordingly.
(8) In this section, the expression "the relevant date" means, in a case where no such appointment
is made, the date of the winding up order.
259. Statement by liquidator.--(1) In a case where a winding up order is made, the official liquidator
shall, as on as practicable after receipt of the statement to be submitted under section 258, and not
later than one hundred and twenty days or with the leave of the Court one hundred and sixty days
from the date of the order, or in a case where the Court orders that no statement shall be submitted,
as soon as practicable after the date of the order, submit a preliminarly report to the
Court--
(a) as to the amount of capital issued, subscribed, and paid up, and the estimated amount of
assets and liabilities giving separately under the leading of assets, particulars of --
(i) cash and negotiable securities;
(ii) debts due from contributories;
(iii) debts due to and securities, if any, available to the company,
(iv) movable and immovable properties belonging to the company; (v) unpaid calls, and
(b) if the company has failed as to the cause of the failure, and
(c) whether in his opinion further inquirey is desirable as to any matter relating to the promotion,
formation, or failure of the company, or the conduct of the business thereof.
(2) The official liquidatory may also, if he thinks fit, make a further report or further reports, stating
the manner in which the company was formed and whether in his opinion any fraud has been
committed by any person in its promotion or formation or by any director or other officer of the
company in relation to the company since the formation thereof, and any other matter which is his
opinion it is desirable to bring to the notice of the Court.
260. Custody of company's property.--(1) The official liquidator, whether appointed provisionally or
not, shall take into his custody, or under his control all the property, effects and actionable claims to
which the company is or appears to be entitled.
(2) All the property and effects of the company shall be deemed to be in the custody of the Court as
from the date of the order for the winding up of the company.
261. Committee of Inspection in compulsory winding up.--(1) The official liquidator shall, within a
month from the date of the order for the winding up of a company, convene a meeting of the
creditors of the company, as ascertained from the books and documents of the company, for the
purpose of determining whether or not a committee of inspection shall be appointed to act with the
liquidator, and who are to be members of the committees, if appointed.
(2) The official liquidator shall, within a week from the he date of the creditors meeting
convence a meeting of the contributories to consider the decision of the creditors and to accept
the same with or without modification.
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(3)If the contributories do not accept the decision of the creditors in its entirely, it shall be the
duty of the official liquidator to apply to the Court for directions as to whether there shall be a
committee, and who shall be members thereof.
(4) A committee of inspection appointed under this section shall consist of not more than twelve
members being creditors and contributories of the company or persons holding general or special
powers of attorney from creditors or contributories in such proportions as may be agreed on by
the meetings of creditors and contributories, or as, in case of difference, may be determined by
the Court.
(5) The committee of inspection shall have the right to inspect the accounts of the official
liquidator at all reasonable times.
(6) The committee shall meet at such times as they may from time to time appoint, and, failing
such appointment, at least once a month, and the liquidator or any member of the committee may
also call a meeting of the committee as and when he thinks necessary.
(7)The committee may act by a majority of their members present at a meeting, but shall not act
unless a majority of the committee are present.
(8) A member of the committee may resign by notice in writing signed by him and delivered to
the liquidator.
(9) If a member of the committee becomes bankrupt, or compounds or arranges with his
creditors, or is absent from five consecutive meetings of the committee without the leave of those
members who together with himself represent the creditors or contributories, as the case may be,
his office shall thereupon became vacant.
A members of the committee may be removed therefrom by an ordinary resolution at a
(10)
meeting of creditors if, he represents creditors, or of contributories, if he represents
contributories, of which seven days, notice has been given, stating the object of the meeting.
On a vacancy occurring in the committee, the liquidator shall forthwith summon a meeting of
(11)
creditors or of contributories, as the case may require, to fill in the vacancy, and the meeting
may, by resolution, re-appoint the same or appoint another creditor or contributory to fill in the
vacancy.
The *ontinung members of the committee, if not less than two, may set notwithstanding any
(12)
vacancy in the committee.
262. Powers of official liquidator.-- The official liquidator shall have power with the sanction of the
Court, to do the following things--
(a) to institute or defend any suit or prosecution, or other leagl proceeding, civil or criminal, in
the name and on behalf of the company;
(b) to carry on the he business of the company so far as may be necessary, for the beneficial
winding up of the same,
(c) to sell the immovable and movable property of the company by public auction on private
contract, with power to transfer the whole thereof to any person or organisation or company, or to
sell the same in parecis.
263. Limit of Discretion of official liquidator.-- The Court may provide by any order that the
official liquidator may exercise any of the above powers without the sanction or intervention of the
Court, and, where an official liquidator is provisionally appointed, may limit and restrict his powers
by the order appointing him.
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264. Provision for legal assistance to official liquidator.-- The Official liquidator may, with the
sanction of the Court, appoint an advocate or attorney entitled to appear before the Court to assist
him in the performance of his duties;
Provided that, where the official liquidator is an advocate or attorney, he shall not appoint his partner,
unless the latter consents to act without remuneration.
265. Liquidator to keep books containing proceeding of meetings and to submit account of his
receipts to Court.-(1) The official liquidator of a company which is being wound up by the Court
shall keep, in the manner prescribed, proper books in which he shall cause to be made entries or
minutes of proceedings at meetings and of such other matters as may be prescribed, and any creditor
or contributory may, subject to the control of the Court, personally or by his agent, inspect any such
books.
(2) Every official liquidator shall, at such times as may be prescribed but not less than twice in
each year during his tenure of office, present to the Court an account of his receipts and payments as
such liquidator.
(3) The liquidator shall prepare the account in the prescribed form in duplicate, and shall verify it
by a declaration in the prescribed form.
(4) The Court shall cause the account to be audited in such manner as it thinks fit and for the
purpose of the audit the liquidator shall furnish the Court with such vouchers, and books or other
document as the Court may require, and the Court may at any time require the production of an
inspect any books or account kept by the liquidator.
(5) When the account has been audited, one copy thereof shall be filed and kept by the Court, and
the other copy shall be delivered to the Registrar for filing, and each copy shall be open to the
inspection of any creditor or any person interested.
266. Excercise and control of liquidator's powers--(1) Subject to the previsions of this Act, the
official liquidator of a company which is being wound up by the Court shall, in the administration of
the assets of the company and in the distribution thereof among its creditors, have regard to any
directions that may be given by resolution of the creditors or contributories at any general meeting
shall, in case of confilict be deemed to over ride any directions given by the committee of inspection.
(2) The official liquidator may summon general meeting of the creditors or contributories for the
purpose of ascertaining their wishes, and it shall be his duty to summon meeting at such times as the
creditors or contributories by resolution, may direct, or whenever requested in writing to do so by
one tenth in value of the creditors or contributiries, as the case may be.
(3) The official liquidator may apply to the Court in the manner prescribed for directions in
relation to any particulars matter arising in the winding up.
(4) Subject to the provision of this Act, the official liquidator shall use his own discretion in the
administration of the assets of the company and in the distribution thereof among the creditors.
(5) If any person is aggrieved by any act or decision of the official liquidator, that person may
apply to the Court, and the Court may confirm, reverse or modify the act or decision complained of,
make such order as it thinks just in the he circumstances.
Ordinary Powers of Court
267. Settlement of list of contributories and application of assets.-- (1) As soon as may be after
making a winding up order, the Court, shall settle a list of contributories, shall have power to register
of members in all cases where rectification is required in pursuance of this Act, and shall cause the
assets of the company to be collected and applied in discharge of its liabilities.
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(2) In setling the list of contributories, the Court shall distinguish between persons who are
contributories in their own right and persons who are contributories as being representatives of or
liable for the debts of others.
268. Power to require transfer, delivery etc of property.-- The Court may at any time after making
a winding up order, require any contributory for the time being settled on the list of contributories
and any trustee, receiver, banker, agent, or officer of the company to pay, deliver surrender or
transfer forthwith, or within such time as the Court directs, to the official liquidator any money
property or documents in his hands to which the company is prima facie entitled.
269. Power to order payment of debts by contributory.-- (1) The Court may, at any time after
making a winding up order, make an order any contributory for the time being settled on the list of
contributories to pay, in the manner directed by the order, any money due from him or from the
estate of the person whom he represents to the company exclusive of any money payable by him or
the estate by virtue of any call in pursuance of this Act.
(2) The Court in making such an order may, in the case of an unlimited company, allow to the
contributory by way of set-off any money due to him or to the estate which he represents from the
company, on any independent dealing or contract with the company, but not any money due to him
as a member of the company in respect of any dividend or profit, and may, in the case of a limited
company, made to any director whose liability is unlimited or to his estate the like allowance:
Provided that, the case of any company, whether limited or unlimited, when all the creditors are paid
in full any money due on any account whatever to a contributory from the company may be allowed
to him by way of set-off against any subsequent call.
270. Power of Court to make calls.--(1) The Court may, at any time after making a winding up order,
and that is either before or after it has ascertained the sufficiency of the assets of the company, make
calls on and order payment there of by all or any of the contributiries for the time being settled on the
list of the contributories to the extent of their liability, for payment of any money which the Court
considers necessary to satisfy the debts and liabilities of the company, and the costs, charges and
expenses of winding up, and for the adjustent of the rights of the contributories among themselves.
(2) In making the call the Court may take into consideration the probability that some of the
contributories may partly or wholly fail to pay the call.
271. Power to order payment into bank.-- The Court may order any contributory, purchaser or
other person from whom money is due to the company to pay the same into the account of the
official liquidator in any scheduled banks as defined in the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 (P.O. No.
127), instead of to the official liquidator and any such order may be enforced in the same manner as
if it had made direct payment to the official liquidator.
272. Regulation of account with Court.-- All moneys, bills, hundis, notes and other securities paid
and delivered into the bank where the liquidators of the company may have his account, in the event
of a company being wound up by the Court, shall be subject in all respect to the orders of the Court.
273. order on contributory conclusive evidence:-- (1) An order made by the Court on a
contrubutory shall, subject to any right of appeal, be conclusive evidence that the money, if any,
thereby appearing to be due or ordered to be paid is due.
(2) All other pertinent matters stated in the order shall be taken to be truly stated as against all
persons, and in all proceedings whatsoever.
274. Power to enclude creditors not providing in time :-- The Court may fix a time or times within
which creditors are to prove their debts or claims, or to be excluded from the benefit of any
distribution made before those debts are proved.
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275. Adjustment of right of contributories:-- The Court shall adjust the right of the contributories
among themselves, and distribute any surplus among the persons entiled thereto.
276. Power to order cost:- The Court may, in the event of the companys assets being insufficient to
satisfy the liabilities, make an order as to the payment, out of the assets, of the costs, charges and
expenses, incurred in the winding up in such order of priority as the Court thinks just.
277. Dissolution of company--(1) When the affairs of a company have been completely wound up,
the Court shall make an order that the company be dissolved from the date of the order, and the
company shall be dissolved accordingly.
(2) The order shall be reported within fifteen days of the making thereof by the official liquidator
to the Registrar, who shall record in his make books a minute of the dissolution of the company.
(3) If the official liquidator makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, he
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred taka for everyday during which he is in default.
Extraordinary Powers of Court
278. Power to summon persons suspected of having property of company:--(1) The Court may, after
it has made a winding up order, summon before it any officer of the company or person known or
suspected to have in his possession any property of the company, or supposed to be indebted to the
company, or any person whom the Court deems capable of giving information concerning the trade,
dealing, affairs or property of the company.
(2) The Court may examine him on oath concerning the same, either by word of mouth or on
written interrogatories, and may reduce his answers to writing and require him to sing them.
(3) The Court may require him to produce any documents in his custody or power relating to the
company; but, where he claims any lien on documents produced by him, the production shall be
without prejudice to that lion, and the Court shall have jurisdiction in the winding up to determine all
questions relating to that lien.
(4) If any person so summoned, after being tendered a reasonable sum for his expens, refuses to
come before the Court at the time appointed, not haveing a lawful impediment made known to the
Court at the time of its sitting and allowed by it, the Court may cause him to be apprehended and
brought before the Court for examination.
279. Power to order public examination of promotors, etc:--(1) When an order has been made for
winding up a company by the Court, and the official liquidator has applied to the Court stating that in
his opinion, a fraud has been committed by any person in the promotion or formation of the company
or by any director or other officer of the company, in relation to the company since its formation, the
Court may, after consideration of the application, direct that any person who has taken any part in the
promotion or formation of the company or has been a director manager or other officer of the
company shall attend before the Court on a day appointed by the Court for that purpose attend before
the Court on a day appointed by the Court for that purpose, and be publicly examined as to the
promotion or formation or the conduct of the business of the company, or as to his conduct and
dealings as director manager or other officer thereof.
(2) The official liquidator shall take part in the examination and for that purpose may, if specially
authorised by the Court in that behalf, employ such legal assistance as may be sanctioned by the
Court.
(3) Any creditor or contributory may also take part in the examination either personally or by any
person entitled to appear before the ourt.
(4) The Court may put such questions to the person examined as the Court thinks fit.
(5)The person examined shall be examined on oath, and shall answer all such questions as the
Court may put or allow to be put to him.
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280. Power to arrest absconding contributionry:-- The Court, at any time either before or
after making a winding up order and on proof of probable cause for believing that a contributory
is or about to quit Bangladesh or otherwise to abscond, or to remove or conceal any of his
property, for the purpose of evading payment of calls or of avoiding examination respecting the
affairs of the company, may cause the contributory to be arrested and his books and papers and
movable property to be sized, and him and them to be safe castody until such times as the Court
may order.
281. Saving of other proceedings:-- Any powers by this Act conferred on the Court shall be
in addition to and not in restriction of, any existing powers of instituing proceedings against any
contributory or debtor of the company, or the estate of any contributory or debtor for the
recovery of any call or other sums.
Enforcement of and appeal from Orders
282. Power to enforce orders:-- All orders made by the Court under this Act may be
enforced in the same manner in which decrees of such Court mad in any suit pending therein
may be enforced.
283. Order made in any Court to be enforced by other Courts.-- Any order made by the
Court for or in the course of the winding up of a company shall be enforced in any place in
Bangladesh by any other court that would have had jurisdiction in respect of such company if
the registered office of the company had been situate at such place and in the same manner in all
respect as if such order had been made by the court that is hereby required to enforce the same,
but in relation to the place where the registered office of the company is situate, only the court
having jurisdiction cover such place shall enforce such order.
284. Mode of dealing with order to be enforced by other Courts.-- Where any order made
by one Court is to be enforced by another Court, a certified copy of the order so made shall be
produced to the proper officer of the Court required to enforce the same, and the production of
such certified copy shall be sufficient evidence of such order having been made; and thereupon
the last mentioned Court shall take the requisite steps in the matter for enforcing the order, in the
same manner as if it were the order of the Court enforcing the same.
285. Appeal from orders:-- Re--hearing of, and appeals from order or decision made or
given in the matter of the winding up of a company by the Court may be had in the same manner
and subject to the same conditions in and subject to which appeals may be had from any order or
decision of the same Court in cases within its ordinary jurisdiction. Voluntary
Winding Up
286. Circumstances in which company may be wound up voluntarily:--(1) A company may
be wound up voluntarily--
(a) when the period, if any, fixed for the duration of the company by the articles expires, or the
even, if any occurs, on the occurrence of which articles provide that the company is to be
dissolved and the company in general meeting has passed a resolution requiring the company to
be wound up voluntarily;
(b) if the company resolves by special resolution that the company be wound up voluntarily;
(c) if the company resolves by extraordinary resolution to the effect hat it cannot by reason of its
liabilities continue its business, and that it is advisable to wind up.
(2) The expression "resclution for voluntarily winding up" when used hereafter in this Part means a
resolution passed under clause (a), clause (b), or clause (c) of this section.
287. Commencement of voluntary winding up.-- A voluntary winding up shall be deemed to
commence at the time of the passing of the resolution for voluntary winding up.
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(1) Where a company is proposed to be, or is in course of being, wound up altogether voluntarily,
and the whole or part of its business or property is proposed to be transferred or sold to another
company, whether a company within the meaning of this Act or not, in this section called "the
transferee company", may with the sanction of a special resolution of that company conferring either
a general authority on the liquidator or an authority in respect of any particular arrangement, receive,
in compensation or part compensation for the transfer or sale, shares, polices, or other like interests
in the transferee company, for distribution among the members of the transferor company, or may
enter into any other arrangement where by the members of the transferor company may, in lieu of
receiving cash or shares, policies or other like interests or in addition thereto, participate in the
profits of, or receive any other benefit from, the transferee company.
(2) Any sale or other transfer or arrangement in pursuance of this section shall be binding on the
members of the transferor company.
(3) If any member of the transferor company who did not vote in favour of the special resolution
expresses his dissent therefrom in writing addressed to the liquidator and left at the registered office
of the company within seven days after the passing of the special resolution, by may require the
liquidator either to abstain from carrying the resolution into effect or to purchase his interest at a
price to be determined by agreement or any arbitration in manner hereafter provided.
(4) If the liquidator elects to purchase the member's interest, the purchase money must be paid
before the company is dissolved, and be raised by the liquidator in such manner as may be
determined by special resolution.
(5) A special resolution shall not be invalid, for the purpose of this section by reason only that it
is passed before or concurrently with a resolution for voluntary winding up or for appointment of
liquidators, but if an order is made within a year for winding up the company by or subject to the
supervision of the Court, the special resolution shall not be valid unless sanctioned by the Court.
(6) The provisions of the Arbitration Act, 1940(X of 1940), other that those restricting the
application of the Act in respect of the subject matter of the arbitration, shall apply to all arbitrations
in pursuance of this section.
295. Duty of liquidator to call general meeting at the end of each year:--(1) In the event of the
winding up continuing for more than one year, the liquidator shall summon a general meeting of the
company at the end of the first year from the commencement of the winding up and of each
succeeding year, or as soon thereafter as may be convenient within ninety days, of the close of the
year, and shall lay before the meeting an account of his acts and dealings and of the conduct of the
winding up during the proceeding year and a statement in the preseribed form containing the
prescribed particulars with respect to the position of the liquidation.
(2) If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five
hundred taka.
296. Final meeting and dissolution--(1) As soon as the affairs of the company are fully wound up,
liquidator shall make up an account of the winding of up showing how the winding up has been
conducted and the property of the company has been disposed of, and thereupon shall call a general
meeting the company for the purpose of laying before it the account, and giving explanation thereof.
(2) The meeting shall be called by advertisement specifying the time, place and object thereof
and published one month at least before the meeting in the manner specified in sub-section (1) of
section 289 for publication of a notice under that sub-section;
(3) Within one week after the meeting the liquidator shall send to the Registrar a copy of the
account and shall make a return to him of the holding of the meeting and of its date, and if the copy
is not sent or the return is not made in accordance with this sub-section, the liquidator shall be liable
to a fine not exceeding one hundred taka for everyday during which the default continues:
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Provided that, if a quorum is not present at the meeting the liquidator shall in lieu of the said return
make a return that the meeting was duly summoned and that no quorum was present thereat, and
upon such a return being made the provisions of this sub--section as to the making of the return shall
deemed to have been complied with.
(4) The Registrar on receiving the account and either of the returns mentioned in sub-section (3)
shall forthwith register them and on the expiration of three months from the registration of the return
the company shall be deemed to be dissolved:
Provided that the Court may, on the he application of the liquidator or of any other person who
appears to the Court to be interested, make an order deferring the date at which the dissolution of the
company is to effect for such time as the Court thinks fit.
(5) It shall be the duty of the person on whose application an order of the Court under sub--
section (4) is made, within twenty--one after the making of the order, to deliver to the Registrar a
certified copy of the order for registration and if that person fails so to do he shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one hundred taka for every day during which the default continues.
Creditor's voluntary winding up
297. Provision applicable to a vonutary winding up:-- The provisions contained in sections 298 to
305, both inclusive, shall apply in relation to a creditors voluntary winding up.
298. Meeting of creditors:--(1) The company shall cause a meeting of the creditors of the company
to be summoned for the day, or the day next following the day, on which there is to be held the
meeting at which the resolution for voluntary winding up is to be proposed, and shall cause the
notices of the said meeting of creditors to be sent by post to the creditors simultaneously with the
sending of the notices of the said meeting of the company at which such resolution will be proposed.
(2) The company shall also cause notice of the meeting of the creditors be advertised in the manner
specified in sub--section
(1) of section 289 for the publication of a notice under that sub--section.
(3) The directors of the company shall--
(a) cause a full statement of the position of the companys affairs together with a list of the
creditors of the company and the estimated amount of their claims to be laid, before the
meeting of creditors to be held as aforesaid; and (b) appoint one of their number to preside
at the said meeting
(4) It shall be the duty of the director appointed to preside at the meeting creditors to attend the
meeting and to preside thereat.
(5) If the meeting of the company at which the resolution for voluntary winding up is to be
proposed is adjourned and the resolution is passed at an adjourned meeting, any resolution passed
at the meeting of the creditors held in pursuance of subsection (1) shall have effect as if it had
been passed immediately after the passing of the resolution for winding of the company.
(6) If default is made--
(a) by the company in complying with sub--sections(1) and (2);
(b) by the board of directors of the company in complying with sub-- section(3); (c) by
any director of the company in complying with sub--section(4). the company, every
member of the board of directors or director, as the case may be, shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding five thousand taka and, in the case of default by the company every officer
of the company who is in default shall be liable to the like penalty.
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299. Appointment of liquidator.-- The creditors and the company at their respective meetings
mentioned in section 298 may nominate a person to be liquidator for the purpose of winding up the
affairs and distributing the assets of the company, and if the creditors and the company nominate
different persons, the person nominated by the creditors shall be the liquidator, and if no person is
nominated by the creditors the person, if any, nominated by the company shall be liquidator.
Provided that in the case of different persons being nominated, any director, member or creditor of
the company may, within seven days after the date on which the nomination was made by the
creditors, apply to the Court for an order either directing that the person nominated as liquidator by
the company shall be liquidator instead of or jointly with the person nominated by the creditors, or
appointing some other person to be liquidator instead of the person appointed by the creditors.
300. Appointment of committee of inspection.-- The creditors at the meeting to be held in
pursuance of section 298 or at any subsequent meeting may, if they think fit, appoint a committee of
inspection consisting of not more than five persons and if such a committee is appointed the
company may, either at the meeting at which the resolution for voluntary winding up is passed or at
anytime subsequently in general meeting, appoint such number of persons as they think fit to act as
members of the committee not exceeding five in number:
Provided that the creditors may, if they think fit, resolve that all or any of the persons so appointed by
the company to be members of the committee of inspection and, if the creditors so resolve, the
persons mentioned in the resolution shall not, unless the Court otherwise directs, be qualified to
remain or to act as members, of the committee, and on any application to the Court may under this
provisior the Court may, if it thinks fit, appoint other persons to act as such members in place of the
persons mentioned in the resolution.
301. Fixing of liquidators remuneration and cessation of directors powers.-- The committee of
inspection, or if there is no such committee, the creditors may fix the remuneration to be paid to the
liquidator or liquidators, and where the remuneration is not so sixed, it shall be determined by the
Court.
(2) On the appointment of a liquidator, all the powers of the directors shall cease, except so far as the
committee of inspection, or if there is no such committee, the creditors sanction the continuance
thereof.
302. Power to fill vacancy in the office of liquidator.-- If a vacancy occurs by death, resignation or
otherwise, in the office of a liquidator then the vacancy maybe filled in by the Court when the
liquidator was appointed by the Court or by the creditors where the liquidator was appointed by
creditors.
303. Application of section 294 to a creditors vointary winding up.-- The provisions of section 294
shall apply the case of a creditors voluntary winding up as in the he case of a members voluntary
winding up with the modification that the powers of the liquidator under the said section shall not be
exercise with the saction either the of Court or of the committee of inspection.
304. Duty of liquidator to call meeting of company and of creditors at the year and.--(1) In the
event of the winding up continuing for more than one year, the liquidator shall summon a general
meeting of the company and a meeting of creditors at the end of the first year from the
commencement of the winding up, and of each succeeding year, or as soon thereafter as may be
convenient and shall lay before the meetings an account of his acts and dealing and of the conduct of
the winding up during the proceeding year and a statement in the he prescribed form containing the
prescribed particulars with respect to the position of the winding up.
(2) If the liquidator fails to comply with this section, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five
hundred taka.
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305. Final meeting and dissolution.-- (1) As soon as the affairs of the company are fully wound up,
the liquidator shall make up an account of the winding up showing how the winding up has been
conducted and the property of the company has been disposed of, and thereupon shall call a general
meeting of the company and a meeting of the creditors, for the purpose of laying the account before
the meetings and giving any explanation thereof.
(2) Each such meeting under sub-section (II) shall be called by advertisement specifying the
time, place and object thereof and published one month at least before the meeting in the manner
specified in sub-section (1) of section 289 for the publication of a notice under that sub--section.
(3) Within one week after the date of the meetings, or, if the meetings, are not held on the same
date, after the date of the later meeting, the liquidator send to the Registrar a copy of the account, and
shall make a return to the him of the holding of the meetings and of their dates, and if the copies are
not sent or the return is not made in accordance with this sub--section, the day during which the
default continues:
Provided that, if a quorum, which for the purpose of the this section shall be two person, is not
present at either of such meetings the liquidator shall, in lieu of such return, make a return that the
meeting was duly summoned and that no quorum was present thereat, and upon such a return being
made the provisions of this sub-section as to the making of the return shall, in respect of that meeting
be deemed to have been complied with (4) The Registrar, on receiving the account and in respect of
each such meeting.
(4) The Registrar on receiving the account and any of the returns mentioned in sub-section (3),
shall forthwith register them, and on the expiration of three months from the registration there of the
company shall be deemed to be dissolved:
Provided that the Court may, on the application of the liquidator or of any other person who appears
to the Court to be interested, make an order deferring the date at which the dissolution of the
company is to take effect for such time as the Court thinks fit.
(5) It shall be the duty of the person on whose application an order of the Court under sub--
section this(4) is made, within twenty one days after the making of the of the order, to deliver to the
Register a certified copy of the order for registration, and if that person fails to do so, he shall be
liable to fine not exceeding one hundred take for every day during which the default continues.
General provision for voluntary winding up
306. Provisions applicable to every voluntary winding up.-- The provisions contained in
section 307 to 314, both inclusive, shall apply to every voluntary winding up whether a members
or a creditors winding up.
307. Distribution of property of company -- Subject to the provisions of this Act as to
preferential payments, the property of a company shall, on its winding up, be applied in
satisfaction of its liabilities pari passu and, subject, to such application, shall unless the articles
otherwise provide, be distributed among the members according to their rights and interested in
the company.
308. Powers and duties of liquidator in voluntary winding up.--(1) The liquidator may--
(a) in the case of a members voluntary winding up with the sanction of an extraordinary
resolution of the company, and in the case of a creditors' voluntary winding up, with the
sanction of either the court or the committee of inspection, exercise any of the powers give by
clauses (d), (e),(f) and (h) o f section 262 to a liquidator in a winding up; but the exercise by
the liquidator of the powers given by this clause shall be subject to the control of the Court
and any creditor or contributory may apply to the Court with respect to any exercise or
proposed exercise of any of these powers;
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(b) without the sanction referred to in clause (a), exercise any of the other powers by this
Act given on the liquidator in a winding up by the Court:
(c) exercise the power of the Court under this Act of settling a list. of contributories; and
the list of contributories; shall be prima facie evidence of the liability of the persons named
there in the be contributories;
(e) summon general meetings of the company for the purpose of obtain obtaining the sanction
of the company by special or extraordinary resolution of for any other purpose he may think
fit.
(2) The liquidator shall pay the debts of the company and shall adjust the rights of the
contributories; among themselves.
(3) When several liquidators are appointed, any power given by this Act may be exercised by
such one or more of the them as may determined at the time of the appointment, or, in default of
such determination, by any number not loss than two.
309. Power of Court to appoint and remove liquidator in voluntary winding up--(1) If, from any
cause whatever, , there is no liquidator acting, the Court may appoint a liquidator.
(2) The Court may, on cause shown, remove a liquidator and appoint another liquidator, and, in case
of such removal shall immediately send a copy of the removal order to the removed liquidator.
310. Notice by liquidator of his appointment.--(1) The liquidator shall, with--in twenty one days after
his appointment, deliver to the Registrar for registration a notice of his appointment in the form
prescribed.
(2) If the liquidator fails to comply with the requirements of this section, he shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one hundred taka for every day during which the default continues.
311. Arrangement when bindings on creditors.- Any arrangement entered into between a company
about to be, or in the course of being, wound up and its creditors shall, subject to the right of appeal
under sub-section (2) be binding on the company if sanctioned by an extraordinary resolution, and
also on the creditors if acceded to by there--fourths in number and value of the creditors.
(2) Any creditor or contributory may, within three weeks from the completion of the arrangement,
appeal to the Court against it, and the Court may thereupon, as it thinks just, amend, vary or confirm
the arrangement.
312 Power to apply to Court to have questions determined of powers exercised.--(1) The liquidator or
any contributory or creditor may apply to the Court to determine any questior arising in the winding
up of a company, or to exercise, as respects the enforcing of alls, staying of proceedings or any other
matter all or any of the powers which the court might exercise if the company were being wound up
by the Court.
(2) The liquidator or any creditor or contributory may apply for order settings aside any
attachment, distress or execution put into force against the estate or effects of the company after
the commencement of the winding up.
(3) The application under sub-section (2) shall be made--
if the attachment, distress or execution is levied or put into force by the High Court
(a)
Division, to thee High Court
Division: and
(b) if the attachment, distress or execution is levied or put into force by any other Court,
to the Court having jurisdiction to wind up the company.
(4)Thee Court, if satisfied that the determination of the question of the required exercise of
power or the order applied for will be just and beneficial, may accede wholly or partially to the
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application on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, or may make such other order on the
application as it thinks just.
313. Cost of voluntary winding up.-- All costs, charges and other expenditure properly incurred in
the winding put including the remuneration of the liquidator, shall subject to the rights of secured
creditors, if any, be payable out of the assets of the company in priority to all other claims.
314. Saving for rights of creditors and contributory.-- The winding up of a company shall not bar
the right of any creditor or contributory to apply for a winding up by the Court, but in the case of an
application by a contributory the Court must be satisfied that the rights of the contributories will be
prejudiced by a voluntary winding up.
315. Power of Court to adopt proceeding of voluntary winding up.-- Where a company is being
wound up voluntary and an order is made for winding up by the Court, the Court may, if it think fit,
by the same or subsequent order, provide for the adoption of all or any of the proceedings in the
voluntary winding up and also for any incidental on consequent situation.
Winding up subject to supervision of Court
316. Power to order winding up subject to supervision.-- when a company has by special or
extraordinary resolution, resolved to wind up voluntarily the Court may make an order that the
voluntary winding up shall continue, but subject to such supervision of the Court, and with such
liberty for creditors, contributories; or other to apply to the court and generally on such terms and
conditions as the court thinks just.
317 Effect of petition for winding up subject to supervision.--A petition for continuance of voluntary
winding up subject to the supervision of the Court shall, for the purpose of giving jurisdiction to the
court over suits, be deemed to be petition for winding up by the court.
318. Court may have regard to wishes of creditors and contributories.--The Court may, in deciding
between a winding up by the Court and winding up subject to supervision, in the appointment of
liquidators, and all other matter relating to the winding up subject to supervision have regard to the
wishes of the creditors or contributories; as proved to it by any sufficient evidence.
319. Power of Court to appoint and remove liquidators.--(1) Where an order is made for a winding
up subject to supervision, the Court may by the same or any subsequent order appoint any additional
liquidator.
(2) A liquidator appointed by the Court under this section shall have the same powers, be subject
top the same obligations and in all respects stand the same position ad if he had been appointed by
the company pay.
(3) The Court may removed any liquidator so appointed by the Court or any liquidator continued
under der the supervision order and fill and vacancy occasioned by the removal or by death or
resignation.
320. Effect of supervision order.--(1) Where an order is made for a winding up subject to
supervision, the liquidator may, subject to any restrictions imposed by the Court, exercise all this
powers, without the sanction or intervention of the Court , in the same manner as if the company
were being wound up altogether voluntarily.
(2) Expect as provided in sub-section (1) , and save for the purposes of section 279, any order
made by the Court for a winding up subject to the supervision of the Court shall for all purposes,
including the staying of suits and other proceeding, be deemed to be an order of the court for
winding up of the company by the Court and shall confer full authoritly on the Court to make calls or
to enforce calls made by the liquidators, and to exercise all other powers which it might have
exercise if an order had been made for winding up the company altogether by the Court.
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(3) In the construction of the provision whereby the Court is empowered to direct any act or
thing to be done to or in favour of the official liquidator, the expression ``official liquidator'' shall be
deemed to mean the liquidator conducting the winding up subject to the supervision of the Court.
321. Appointment of liquidators subject to supervision to the office of official liquidators-- Where
an order has been made for the winding up of a company subject to supervision, and order is
afterwards made for winding up by the Court, the Court may, by the last--mentioned order or by any
subsequent order, appoint the liquidators for the first mentioned winding up or any of them either
provisionally or permanently, and wither with or without the addition of any other person, to be
official liquidator in the winding up by the Court. Supplemental Provisions
322. Avoidance of transfers, etc. after commencement of winding up.-- (1) In the case of voluntary
winding up, every transfer of shares, except, transfers made to or with the sanction of the liquidator,
and every alteration in the status of the member of the company made after the commencement of
the winding up shall be vied.
(2) In the case of a winding up by or subject to the supervision of the Court, every disposition of the
property,, including actionable claims of the company, and every transfer of shares, alteration in the
status of its members, made after the commencement of the winding up shall the Court otherwise
orders be voids.
323. Debts of all descriptions to be proved.--In every winding up, subject in the case of insolvent
companies to the application in accordance with the provisions of this Act or the law of insolvency,
all debts payable on a contingency, and all claims against the company, present or future certain or
contingency be admissible to proof against the company, a just estimate being made, so far as
possible, of value of such debts or claims as may be subject to any contingency or for some other
reason do not bear a certain value.
324. Application of insolvency rules in winding up of insolvent companies.-- In the winding up of
an insolvency, all debts payable on a contingency, and all claims against the company, present or
future, certain or contingent, shall be admissible to proof against the company, a just estimate being
made , so far as possible, of value of such dbts or claims as may be subject to any contingency or for
some other reasons do not bear a certain value.
324. Application of insolvency rules in winding up of insolvent companies.-- In the winding up of an
insolvent company the same rules shall previal and be observed with regard to the respective eights
of secured and unsecured creditors and to debts provable and the valuation of annuities and future
and contingent liabilities as are in force for the time being under the law of insolvents with respect to
the estate of persons adjudged insolvent; and all persons who in any such case would be entitled to
proved for and receive dividends out of the assets of the company may come in under the winding
up, and make such claims against the company as they respectively are entitled to by virtue of this
section. 325. Preferential payments.--(1) In a winding up there shall be paid in priority to all other
debts--
(a) all revenue, taxes, cesses and rates, whether payable to the Government or to a local
authority due from the company at the date, specified in sub--section(5), hereinafter referred
in this sub--section as the said date and having become due and payable Within the twelve
months next before the said ate;
(b) all wages or salary of any clerk and other servant in respect of service rendered to the
company within the two months next before the said date, not exceeding one thousand taka
for each clerk or servant;
(c) all wages of any labourer or workman, not exceeding five hundred for each, whether
payable for the time or piece--work, in respect of services rendered to the company within the
two months next before the said date:
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(d) compensation payable under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 (VIII of 1923),
in respect of the death or disablement of any officer or employee of the company; and
(f) the expenses of any investigation held in pursuance of clause (c) of section 195 of this Act.
(2) thee debts mention din sub-section(1) shall--
(a) rank equally among themselves and be paid in full , unless the assets are insufficient
to meet them, in case they shall abate in equal proportion; and
(b) so far as the assets of the company available for payment of general creditors are
insufficient to meet them, have priority over the claims of holders of debentures under any
floating charge created by the company and be paid accordingly out of any property
comprised in or subject to that charge.
(3) Subject to the retention of such sums as may be necessary for the costs and expenses of the
winding up, the foregoing debts shall be discharged forth with so far as the assets are sufficient to
meet them.
(4) In the event of any person distraining or having distrained on nay goods or effects of the
company within three months next before the date of a winding up order, the debts to which
priority is given by this section shall be a first charge on the good or effects so distrained on the
proceeds of the sale thereof:
Provided that in respect of any money paid under any such charge thee said persons shall have the
same rights or priority as the person to whom the pay
(5) The date referred to in sub-section (1) (a) is--
(a) in the case of a company ordered to be wound up compulsorily which had not
previously commenced to be wound up voluntarily the date of the winding up order; and
(b) in any other case, the date of the commencement of the winding up.
326. disclaimer of property.--(1) Where any part of the property of company which is being wound
up consists of land of any tenure burdened with onerous convenants, of shares, or stock in other
companies, of unprofitable contracts or of any other property that is unsalable, or not readily
saleable, by reason of its binding the possesses there of the performance of any onerous act, or to the
payment of any sum of money, the liquidator of the company, nontwithstanding that he had
endeavored to sell or has takenpossession of the property, or had excised any act of ownership in
relation thereto, may with the leave of the Court and subject to the provisions of this the
commencement of the winding up or such extended poriod as may be allowed by the Court disclaim
the property:
Provided that, where any such property has not come to the knowledge of the liquidator within one
months after the commencement of the winding up, the power under this section of disclaiming the
property may be exercised at any time within twelve months after he has become aware thereof or
such extended period as may be allowed by the Court.
(2) The disclaimer shall operate to determine, as from the date of disclaimer, the rights, interest,
and liabilities of the company, and the property of the company, in or in respect of the property
disclaimed, but shall not, except so far as is necessary for the purpose of releasing the company and
the property of the company from liability affect the rights or liabilities of any other person.
(3) The Court, before or on granting leave to disclaim, may require such notice to be given to
persons interested and imposed such terms as a condition or granting leave, and make such other
order in the matter as the Court thinks just.
(4) The liquidator shall not be entitled to disclaim any property under this section in any case
where an application writing has been made to him by nay persons interested in the property
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Company Law
requiring him to decide whether he will or will not disclaim and the liquidator has not within a
period of thirty days after he receipt of the application or such further time as may be allowed by the
Court , given notice to the applicant that he intends to apply to the Court for leave to disclaim, and in
the case of a contract, if the liquidator, after such an application as aforesaid, does not with the said
period or further period disclaim the contract, the company shall be deemed to have adopted it.
(5) The Court may, on the application of any person who is, as against the liquidator, entitled to
the benefit or subject to eh burden of a contract made with the company, make an order rescinding
the contract on such terms as to payment either party of damages for the nonperformance of contract,
or otherwise as the Court thinks just , and any damages payable under the order to any such person
may be proved by him as debt in the winding up.
(6) the Court may, on an application by any person who wither claims any interest in any
disclaimed property or is under any liability not discharged by this Act in respect of any disclaimed
property and or hearing any such persons as it thinks fit, make an order for the vesting of the
properly in or seem just that the peoperty should be delivered by way of compensation for such
liability as aforesaid, or a trustee for him and on such terms as the Court thiks just; and on any such
vesting order being made, the property comprised therein shall vest accordingly in the person therein
named in that behalf without any conveyance or as signment for the purpose:--
Provided that, where the property disclaimed is of a leasehold nature, the Court shall not make a
vesting order in favour of any person claiming under the company whether as under--lessee or as
mortgagee expect upon the terms of making that person--
(a) Subject the same liabilities and obligations as those to which the company was subject under
the lease or mortgage in respect of the property at the commencement of the winding up; or
(b) if the Court thinks fit, subject only to the same liabilities and obligations as if the lease had
been assigned to that person at that date; and in either, if the case so requires, as if the lease had
comprised only the property comprised in vesting order, and any mortgagee or under lease
declining to accept a vesting order up on such terms hall be excluded all interest in and security
upon the property, and if there is not person claiming under the company who is willing to accept
and order upon such terms, the Court shall have power to vest the estate and intrust of the
company in the property in any person liable, either personally or in representative, and either
alone or jointly with company, to perform the lessee's convenants in the lease , freed and
discharged from all estates, incumbranees and interests created therein by the company.
(7) any person injured by the operation of disclaimer under this section shall be deemed to be a
creditor of the company to the amount of the injury, and may accordingly prove the amount as a debt
in the winding up.
327 Fraudulent preference.--(1) Any transfer, delivery of goods, payment, execution or other act
relating to property which would, if made or done by or against an individual be deemed in his
insolvency a fraudulent preference, shall is made or done by or against a company, be deemed and
invalid accordingly.
(2) For the purpose of this section, the presentation of a petition for winding up in the case of
winding up by or subject to the supervision of the Court , and a resolution for winding up in the
case of a voluntary winding up, shall be deemed to correspond with the act of insolvency in the
case of an individual.,
(3) Any transfer or assignment by a company of all its property to trustees for the benefit of all
its creditors shall be void.
328. Avoidance of certain attachments, executions, etc.--(1) Where any company in s being wound
up by or subject to the supervision of the Court, any attachment, distress or executuon put in force
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without leave of the Court against the estate or effects or any sale held without leave of the Court of
any properties of the company after the commencement off the winding up shall be void.
(2) Nothing in this section applies to proceedings by the Government.
329. Effect of charge created after commencement of winding up--A floating charge on the
undertaking or property of the company created with in ninety day of commencement of the winding
up shall unless it is proved that the company immediately mediately after the creation of the charge
was solvent , be invalid except top the amount of any cash paid to the company at the time of or
subsequently to the creation of , and in consideration for the charge, together with interest on the
amount at the rate of five per cent, per annum.
330 General scheme of liquidation may be sanctioned. --(1) The liquidator may with the sanction of
the Court when the Court or subject to the supervision of the Court, and with the sanction of an
extraordinary resolution of the company in the case of a voluntary winding up, do the following
things or any of them:--
(i) pay to any classes of creditor in full;
(ii) make any compromise or arrangement with creditors or persons claiming to be
creditors or alleging themselves to have any claim, present or future, whereby the company
may be rendered liable;
(iii) compromise all calls and liabilities to calls, debts and liabilities, capable of resulting
in debts, and all claims, present or future, certain or contingent, subsisting or supposed to
subsist between the company and a contributory or alleged contributory or other debtor or
person apprehending liability to the company, and all questions in any way relating to or
affecting the assets or the winding up of the company, on such terms as may be agreed, and
take any security for the discharge of any such call debt, liability or claim, and give a
complete discharge in respect thereof.
(2) The exercise by the liquidator of the powers under this section shall be subject to the control of
the Court and any creditor or contributory may apply to the Court with respect to any exercise or
proposed exercise of any these powers.
331. Power of Court to assess damages against delinquent director, etc.--(1) Where, in the course of
winding up a company in appears that nay person who has taken part in the formation or promotion
of the company or any past or present director, manager or liquidator, or any officer of the company
properly of the company, or been guilty of misfea*ance or breach of trust in relation to the company
the Court may, on the application of the liquidate or of any creditor or contributory made within
three years from the date of the first appointment of a liquidator in the winding up or of the
mi*application, retainer **sfea+ance of liquidator in the winding up or of the misapplication,
retained misfea*ance or breach of trust, as the case may be whichever is longer examine of the
conduct of the promoter, director manage liquidate or office and may compel him to repay or restore
the money or property or any partnered of respectively with interest at such rate as the Court thinks
just, or to contribute such sum to the assets of the company by way of compensation in respect of the
misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach or trust, as the Court thinks just.
(2) This section shall apply notwithstanding that offence is one for which the offender many
criminally prosecuted.
332. Penalty for falsification of book.--In any director, manager, officer or contributory of any
company being wound up destroys, multilates, alters of falsifies or fraudulently secrets any books
papers or securities or makes or is privy to the making of any false or fraudulent entry in any register
book of account or document belonging to the company with intent to def*aud or deceive any
person, he shall be liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also
be liable to fine.
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333 Prosecution of delinquent directors.--(1) If it appears to the Court in the course of a winding up
by, or subject to the supervision of the Court that an past or present director, manager or other
officer, or any member of the company has been guilty of any offence in relation to the company for
which he is criminally liable the Court may either on the application of any person intrusted in the
winding up of its own motion, direct the liquidate wither himself to p[prosecute the offender or to
refer the matter to the Registrar.
(2) If it appears to the liquidator in the course of voluntary winding up that nay past or present
director, manager of other offence or any member of the company has been guilty of any offence in
relation to the company for which he is criminally liable he shall forth with report the matter to the
Registrar and shall furnish to him such information and give it him such access to and facilities for
inspecting and taking copies of any documents being, information or document in the possession or
under the control of the liquidator relating to the matter in question, as he may require.
(3) Where any report is made under sub--section (2) to the Registrar, he may if he thinks fit, refer
the matter to the Government for further inquiry, and the Government shall thereupon investigate the
matter and may if they think it expedient, apply to the Court for an order conferring on any person
designated by the Government for the purpose with respect to the company concerned all such
powers of investigating the affairs of the company as are provided by this Act in the case of a
winding up by the Court.
(4) If on any report to the Registrar under sub--section (2) it appears to him that the case is not
one in which proceeding ought to be taken by him, he shall inform the liquidator accordingly, and
thereupon, subject to the previous sanction of the Court, the liquidator may himself take proceedings
against the offender.
334. Penalty for false evidence:-- If any person, upon any examination authorised under this Act,
or in any affidavit, depositing or solemn affirmation, in or about the winding up of any company
under this Act, or otherwise in or about any matter arising under this Act intentionally give false
evidence, he shall be liable to improisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall
also be liable to find.
335. Penal provisions--(1) If any person, being a past or present director, managing agent manager
or other officer of a company which at the time of the commission of the alleged offence is being
wound up in any manner.--
(a) does not to the best of his knowledge and belief fully and truly discover to the
liquidator all the property, moveable and immovable of the company, and how and to
whom and for what consideration part as has been disposed of in the ordinary way of the
business of the company, or
(b) does not deliver up to the liquidator, or as he directs all such part of movable and
immovable property of the company as in this custody or under hiscontrol, and which he is
required by law to deliver, or
(c) does not deliver to the liquidator, or as the directs all books and papers on his custody
or under his control belonging to the company and which he is required by law to deliver,
or
(d) with in twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up or at any
time thereafter, conceals anypart of the property of the company to the value of one
hundred taka or up wards or conceals any debt to or from the company, or
(e) within twelve months nest before the commenement of the winding up or at any time
thereafter fraudulently remove any part of the property of the company to the value of one
hundred taka or upwards, or
(f) makes an material omission in any statement relating to the affairs of the company or
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Company Law
(g) knowing or believing that a false debt has been proved by any person under winding
up, fails within the period of a month to inform the liquidator thereof, or
(h) after the commencement of the winding up prevents the production of any book or
paper affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the company, or
(i) within twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up or any time
thereafter, conceals destroys, mutilates or falsifies, or is privy to the concealment,
destruction, mutilation or falsification of any book or paper affecting or relating to the
property or affairs of the company or
(j) within twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up or at any time
thereafter makes or is privy to the making of any false entry in any book or paper affecting
or relating to the property or affairs of the company, or
(k) within twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up or at any time
thereafter fraudulently parting with altering or making any omission any document
affecting or relating to the property or affairs of the company, or
(l) after commencement of the winding up or at any meeting of the creditors of the
company within twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up ,
attempts to account for any part of the property of the company by fictitious losses or
expenses, or
(m) within twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up or at any time
thereafter any false representation or other fraud, obtained any property for or on behalf of
the company on credit which the company does not subsequently pay or
(n) within twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up or at any time
thereafter, under the false pretence that the company is carrying on its business, obtains on
credit, for or on behalf of the company any property which the company does not
subsequently pay for, or
(o) within twelve months next before the commencement of the winding up or at any time
thereafter pawns, pledges, or disposes of any property of the company which such pawning
pledging or disporting is in the ordinary way of the biasness of the company, or
(p) is guilty of any false representation or other fraud for the purpose of obtaining the
consent of the creditors of the company or any of them to an agreement with reference to
the affairs of the company or to the winding up. he shall punishable, in the case of the
offence mentioned in clauses (m) (n) and (o) with imprisonment for a term not exceeding
seven years,, and in the case of any offence, mentioned in other clauses with imprisonment
for a term not exceeding tow years:
Provided that it shall be a good defence to a charge under any of clauses (b),(c),(d),(f),(n), and(o) if
the accused proves that he had no intent to defraud, and to a charge under any of the clauses (a) (h)
(i) and (j) if he proves that he had no intent to conceal the state of affairs of the company or to defeat
the law.
(2) Where any person pawn, pledges or disposes of any property in circumstances which and amount
to an offence under clause (o) of sub-section (1), every person who takes in pawned, pledged or
disposed of in such circumstances as aforesaid shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term not
exceeding three years.
336. Meeting to ascertain wishes of creators or contributions.(1) where by this Act the Court is
authorized in relation to winding up have regard to the wishes of creditors or contributors,, as proved
to it by any sufficient evidence, the Court may if it thinks for the purpose of ascertaining those
wishes, direct meetings of the creditors or contributors to be called, held and conducted in such
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Company Law
manner as the court direct and may appoint a person to act as Chairman of any such meeting and to
report the result therefor the Court.
(2) In the case of creditors, regard shall be had to the value of each creditors debt.
(3) In the case of contributories regard shall be had to number of votes conferred on each
contributory by the articles.
337. Evidentially value of documents of company-- Where any company is being wound up, all
documents of the company and of the liquidator shall as between the contributors of the company, be
prima-facie evidence of the truth of all matters purporting to therein recorded.
338. Inspection documents.-- After and order for a winding up by or subject to the supervision of
the Court the Court may make such order for in pectin creators and contributors, of the company of
its documents as the Court thinks just, and any documents in the possession of the company may be
inspected creditors or contributors accordingly but not , further or otherwise.
339. disposal of document of company:--(1) when a company has been wound up and is about to
be dissolved the documents of the company and of the liquidator any be disposed[hosed of a follows,
that is to say:--
(a) in the case of a winding up by or subject OT the supervision of the Court, in such way as
the Court directs; (b) in the case of voluntary winding up, in such way as the company by
extraordinary resolution directed.
(2) After three years from the dissolution of the company no responsibility shall rest on the company
of the liquidators, or any person to whom the custody of the documents has been committed, by
reason of the same not being forthcoming to any person claiming to be interested therein.
340 Power of Court to declare dissolution of comma void: --(1) Where a company has been
dissolved, the Court may, at any time within two years of the date of the dissolution on an
application being made for the purpose by liquidator of the company or by any other person who
appears to the Court to be interested make an order upon such terms as the Court to the Court to be
interested, make an order upon such terms as the Court thinks fit, declaring the dissolution to have
been void, and thereupon such proceedings may be taken as might have been taken if the company
had not been dissolved.
(2) It shall be the duty of the person on whose application the order was made, within twenty-one
days after making of the order, to file with the Registrar a certified copy of the order, and if that
person fails so to do, he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred taka for everyday during
which he default continues.
341 Information as to pending liquidations : (1) where a company is being wound up, if the winding
up is not concluded--one year after its commencement the liquidate, shall, once a year and at
intervals of not more that twelve months until the winding up is concluded, file in the Court or with
the Registrar, as the case may be statement in the prescribed form and containing the prescribed
particulars with respect to the proceeding in and the position of the liquidation.
(2) Any person stating himself in writing to be a creditor or contributory of the company shall be
entitled, by himself or by his agent, at all reasonable time, on payment of the prescribed fee, to
inspect the statement and to receive a copy thereof or extract therefrom; but any person untruthfully
so stating himself to be a creditor or contributory shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence under
section 182 of the Penal Code (XLV of 1860) , and shall be punishable accordingly on the
application of the liquidator.
(3) If a liquidator fails to comply with the requirements of this section, he shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one thousand taka for each day during which the default continues.
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(4) When the statement is filed in Court, a copy shall simultaneously be filed with the Registrar
and shall be kept by him along with other records of the company.
342. Payment of liquidator into bank:-- (1) Every liquidator of a company which is being wound up
by the Court shall in such manner and at such times as may be prescribed, pay the money received bn
him in to a scheduled tanks as defined in the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 (P.O. No. 127 of 1972):
Provided that if the Court is satisfied that for the purpose of carrying on the business of company or
obtaining advances or for any other reason it is for the advantage of the creditors or contributors that
the liquidator should have an account with any other bank, the Court may authorized the liquidator it
make his payment into or out of such other bank as the Court may select and there upon those
payments shall be made in the prescribed manner.
(2) It any liquidator at any time retains for northern 10 day's sum exceeding five hundred taka or
such other amount as the Court any in any particular case authoresses him to retain the unless he
explains the retention in excess all the rate of twenty per cent annum and shall be liable to
disallowance of all or such part of his remuneration as the Court may think just and to be removed
from his office by the Court and shall be liable to pay any expenses occasioned by reason of his
default.
(3) A liquidator of a company which is being wound up shall open a special banking account and
pay all sums received by him a liquidator into such account.
343. Unclaimed dividend and undistributed assets to be paid to Combines Liquidation Account:
(1) Where any company is being wound up, if the liquidator has in his hands or under his control
any money of the company presenting unclaimed dividends payable to any creditor or undistributed
asset refundable to any contributory which have remained unclaimed for one hundred and eighty
days after the date on which they become payable or refundable that liquidation shall forthwith pay
the said money into the Bangladesh Bank to the credit of the Government in an account to be called
the Companies Liquidation Account" and the liquidator shall on the dissolution of the company,
similarly pay into the said account any money representing unclaimed divided or undistributed assets
in his hand at the date of dissolution.
(2) the liquidator shall, when making any payment referred to in sub section (1) furnish to such
officer as the Government may appoint in this behalf a statement in prescribed form setting forth in
respect of all sum included in such payment the nature of the sums, the names and last know
addressed of the persons entitled to participate therein, the amount to which each is entitled and the
nature of his claim thereto, and such other particulars as may be prescribed.
(3) the receipt of the Bangladesh Bank for any money paid to it under sub-section(1) shall be an
effectual discharge of the liquidator in respect thereof.
(4) where the company is being wound by the Court the liquidator shall make the payment
referred to in sub-section(1) by transfer from the special banking account referred to in sub-
section(3) of section 342, and where the company is being in wound up voluntarily or subject OT the
supervision of the Court the liquidator shall when filing a statement it pursuance of sub-section (1) of
section 341, indicate the sum to money which is payable to the Bangladesh Bank under subsection
(1) of this section which he has had in his the dat to which the said statement is brought down, and
shall, within fourteen days of the date of filing the said statement, pay that sum into the Companies
Liquidation Account.
(5) Any person claiming to be entitled to any money paid into the Companies Liquidation
Account in pursuance of this section may apply to the court for an order for payment thereof, and the
Court, if satisfied that the person claiming is entitled may make an order for the payment OT that
person of the sum or the asset due to him;
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Provided that before making such order the Court shall cause a notice to be served on such officer as
the Government any appoint in this behalf calling on the officer to show cause within thirty days
from the dat of the service of the notice why the order should not be made.
(6) Any money paid into the Companies Liquidation Account is pursuance of this section, which
remains unclaimed thereafter for a period of fifteen years, shall be transferred to the general revenue
account of the Government; but any claim preferred under sub-section (5) any money or asset to
transferred shall be allowable as if such transfer had not been made, the order for payment on such
claim being treated as an order for refund of revenue.
(7) Any liquidator retaining any money or asset which should have been deposited by him into
the Combines Liquidation Account under this section shall pay interest on the amount retained at the
rate of twenty percent annum and shall also be liable to pay any expense occasioned by reason of his
default and where the winding up is by or under the supervision of the Court, he shall also be liable
to disallowance of all or such part of his remuneration as the Court may think just and to be removed
from this office by the court.
(8) For the purposes of this section, the liquidator may with the sanction of the Court or as the
case may be, of the Government, sellout the undistributed asset referred to in sub-section(1) and
deposit the sale proceed in the company's Liquidation Account and it may be accordingly be
disposed under this section.
344. Court or person before whom affidavit may be sworn:--(1) Any affidavit required to be sworn in
Bangladesh before any Court, Judge or person lawfully authorized to take and receive affidavit or in
any place outside Bangladesh before a Bangladesh Consul or Vic-Consul.
(2) All Court Judges, Justices, Commissioners, and persons acting judicially in Bangladesh shall take
judicial notice of the seal or stamp or signature as the case, may be, of any such Court Judge, person,
Consul or Vice-Consul, Consul attached, appended or subscribed to any such affidavit or to any other
document to be used for the purposes of this part.
RULES
345. Power of Supreme Court to make rules:--(1) The Superme Court may from time to time, make
rule consistent with the Code of Civil procedure 1908 (Act of 1908) concerning the following
matters namely:--
(a) the mode of proceedings to be held for winding up of company in the High Court
Division and in a court subordinate thereto.
(b) in the case of voluntary winding up by members or creditors, for the holding of
meetings of creditors and members in connection with proceedings under section 228 of
this Act;
(c) giving effect to the provision of this Act for the purpose of reduction of share capital
and sub-division of the shares of a company;
(d) all applications to be made to the Court under the proving of this Act.
(2) The Court shall make rules providing for all matters which by this Act, are required to be
prescribed.
(3) without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power the Supreme Court may such rules
enable or require all or any of the powered and duties conferred and imposed on the Court by this
Act in respect of the matter following to exercised or performed by the say the powers and duties
of the Control in respect of-
(a) holding and conducting meetings to ascertain the wishes of creditors and
contributories ;
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(b) Settling list of contributors and rectifying the register of members where required, and
collecting and applying the assets of the company
(c) requiring delivery of property or documents to the liquidator;
(d) making calls;
(e) fixing a time within which debts and claims must be proved.
Provided that the official liquidator shall not without the special leave of the Court, rectify the
register of members, and shall not make any call without the special leave of the Court.
Removal of defunct Companies from Register.
346. Registrar may strike defunct company off Registrar:-- (1) where the Registrar has reasonable
cause to believe that a company is not carrying on business or in operation, he shall send to the
company by post a letter inquiring whether the company is carrying on business or in operation;
(2) If the Registrar does not within thirty days of sending the letter receive any answer thereto, he
shall within fourteen days, after the expiration of the said thirty days send to the company by post a
registered letter referring to the first letter and stating that no answer thereato has been received and
that if an answer is not received to the second letter with thirty days from the date, thereof, a notice
will be published in the official Gazette with a view to striking the name of the company off the
register;
(3) If the Registrar either receives an answer from the company to the effect that it is not carrying
on business or in operation, or not within thirty days after sending the second letter receive any
answer, he may publish in the Official Gazette and send to the company by post a notice that at the
expiration of ninety days from the date of that notice, the name of the company mentioned therein
will, unless cause is shown to the contrary, be struck off the register and the company will be
dissolved and in such a case the Registrar may send a copy of the notice to the company while in
sending it to the concerned authority for its publication official Gazette;
(4) If, in any case where a company is being wound up, the Registrar has reasonable cause to
believe either that no liquidator is acting or that the affairs or the company are fully wound up and
the returns required to be made by the liquidator have not been made for a period of six consecutive
months after notice by the Registrar demanding the returns, has been sent by post to the company or
to the liquidator at his last known place of business, the Registrars may publish in the official
Gazette and sent to the company a like notice as is provided in the sub-section (3);
(5) At the expiration of the time mentioned in the notice the Registrar may unless cause to the
contrary is previously shown by the company, strike its name on the register and on the he
publication in the official Gazette of a notice to the effect the company shall be dissolved:
Provided that the liability, if any, of every director and member of the company shall continue and
may be enforced as if the company had not been dissolved.
(6) If a company or any member or creditor thereof feels aggrieved by the company having been
struck off the register, the Court on the application of the company or member or creditor, may if
satisfied that the company was at the time of the striking off carrying on business or in operation or
other wise that it is just that the company be restored, to the register, and thereupon the company
shall be deemed to have continued in existence as its name had not been struck off; and the Court
may by order give such directions and make such provisions as seem just for placing the company
and all other persons in the same positions as nearly as may be as if the name of the company has not
been struck off;
(7) A letter or notice under this section may be addressed to the company at its registered office,
or if no office has been registered, to the care of some director, manger or other officer of the
company or, if there is no director, manger or other officer of the company whose named and address
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are known to the registrar such letter or notice may be sent to each of the persons who subscribed the
memorandum, at the address mentioned in the memorandum
PART VII
REGISTRATION OFFICE AND FEES
347. Registration office--(1) For the purposes of the registration of Companies under this Act, there shall be
central office and original office at such places as the Government think, fit and company shall be registered
except at an office within the territorial jurisdiction in which by the memorandum, the registered office of the
company is declared to be e established.
(2) The Government may appoint such Registrar, Additional Registrar, and Assistant Registrar as it
thinks necessary for the registration of companies under this Act and may make regulation rule with
respect of their duties.
(3) The Salaries of the persons appointed under this section shall be fixed by the Government.
(4) the Government may direct as seal or seals to be prepared for the authentication of documents
required for or connected with the registration companies.
(5) any person may inspect the documents kept by the Registrar on payment of such fees as may be
specified by the Government not exceeding the fees specified in Schedule III for each inspection; and any
person may require of any company or a copy or extract of any other document or any part of other
document,, to be certified by the Registrar on payment for the certificate certified copy or extract of such
fees as the Government may specify not exceeding the fee specified in the said Schedule.
(6) Whenever any act is by this Act directed to be done to or by the Registrar it shall until the
Government otherwise direct be done to or by the case of the central office the existing Registrar or in his
absence OT or by such person as the Government may for the time being authoress and in the Joint
Registrar or Deputy Registrar or Assistant Registrar as is appointed as the Chef Officer of that office.
348. Fees.--(1) There shall be paid to the Registrar in repect of the several matters mentioned in Schedule II
the several fees therein specified, or such smaller fees as the Government may direct.
(2) All fees paid to Registrar in pursuance of this Act shall be accounted for the Government.
349. Enforcing submission of returns and documents to Registrar: - (1) If a company, having made default in
complying with any provision of this Act, which requires it to file with, deliver or send to the Registrar any
return account or other document, or to give notice to him of any matter fails to make good the default within
fourteen days after the service of a notice on the company requiring it to dos so, the Court may on an
application made to the Court by member or creditor of the company or by Registrar, make an order directing
the company and officer thereof to make good the default within such time as may be specified in the order.
Filling or registration of documents, etc, after the time specified: - Any documents or return by this Act
required or authorized to be file or registered or any fact by this Act required or authorized to be registered
with the Register on payment of fees specified therefore in Schedule II any without prejudice to any other
labilities be filed or registered after the time if any pacifier in this Act for its filing or registration on payment
of late fee specified
PART 121I
APPLICATION OF ACT TO COMPANIES FORMED AND REGISTERED
UNDER FORMER COMPANIES ACT
350. Application of Act to Combines formed under former Companies Act:- In the application of this Act
to existing companies it shall apply in the same manner in the case of limited company other shares; in the
cases of a company limited by guarantee company limited by hares; in the cases of a company limited by
guarantee as if the company had been formed and registered under this Act as a company limited by grantee;
and in the case of a company other than a limited company as if the company had been and registered under
this Act as an unlimited company; Provided that--
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(a) nothing in Schedule I shall APPLY to a company formed and registered under nay law in force at any
time before commencement of this Act;
(b) reference express or impaled to the date of registration shall be constructed as a reference to the date
at which the comping was registered under any law in force at any time before the commencement of this Act.
352. Application Act of companies registered but not formed under former Combines Act:-- This Act shall
apply to every company registered but not formed under any law in force at any time before the
commencement of this Act in the same manner as it is herein after in this Act. declared to apply to Combines
registered but not formed under this Act:
Provided that reference, express or impaled, to the date off registration shall be cons rend a a reference to the
date at which the company was registered under the said laws or any of them.
353. Mode of transferring : A Company registered under any law in force at any time before the
commencement of this Act may cause its shares to be transferred in the manner hitherto to in use or in such
other mangier as the company may direct.
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PART -IX
COMPANIES AUTHORIZED TO BE REGISTERED
354. companies capable of being registered.--(1) With the exception and subject to the provisions
mentioned and contained in this section, any company formed whether before or after the commencement of
this Act in pursuance of any Act of Parliament other than this Act or being otherwise duly constituted
according to law and consisting of seven or more members, s many at time register under this Act as an
unlimited company or as a company[by shares or as a company limited by guarantee; and the registration not
be invalid by reason that it has taken place with a view to the company being wound up Provided that -
(a) a company having the liability of its members limited by Act of Parliament and not being a joint-stock
company as injection 355, defined, shall not register in pursuance of this section;
(b) a company having the liability of its members limited by Act of Parliament shall not register in
pursuance of this section as an unlimited company not register on pursuance of this section as a company
limited by guarantee;
(c) a company that is not a joint-stock company as in section 355 defined shall not register in pursuance
of this section as a company limited by shares;
(d)) a company shall not register in pursuance of this section without the assent of a majority of such of its
members as are present in person or by proxy, on cases where proxies are allowed by the articles at a general
meeting summoned for the purpose;
(e) where a company not having the liability of its members limited by Act of Parliament is about to
register as a limited company, the molarity required to assent as mentioned it clause (d) shall consist of not
less than three-fourths of the members present in person or by proxy at the meeting;
(f) where a company is about to register as a company limited by guarantee, the assent OT its being so
registered shall a
accompanied by a resolution declaring that each member undertake to contribute to the assets of he company
in the event of its being wound up while he is member, or within one year afterwards, for payment of the debts
and liability of the company contracted of winding up and for the adjustment of the right of the contributors
among themselves such amount as may be required not exceeding a specified amount.
(2) In computing any majority under this section, when a poll is demanded regard shall be had to the member
of votes to which each member is entities according to the articles.
355. Definition of joint stock company.-- (1)For the purposed of this part, so far as it relates to registration or
companies limited by shares, a joint-stock company means--
(a) a company having a permanent paid up or nominal share capital of fixed amount divided into shares,
also fixed amount, or held of and transferable as stock or divided and held partly in one way and partly in the
other; and
(b) formed on the principle or having only for its members as the holders of those shares or that stock and
for no other person.
(2) Such a company, when registered with limited liability under this Act, shall be deemed to a a company
limited by shares.
356. Requirements for registration of joint stock compaines.-- Before the registration in pursuance of this part
of joint stock company, there shall be delivered to the Registrar the following documents that is to say--
(a) a list showing the names address occupation of all person who on a day named in the list not being
more than six clear days before the day of registration were members of the company with the addition of
the shares or stock held by them respectively di tinsmithing in the he case where the shares are numbered,
each share by its number;
(b)a copy of deed of settlement contract of copartner or other instrument constituent or regulation the
company; and
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(c) if the company is intended to be registered as a limited company, a statement specifying the following
particulars, that is to say--
(i)) the nominal share capital of the company and the number of shares into which its divided or the amount of
stock of which it consists;
(ii) the number of shares taken and the amount paid on each share;
(iii) the name of the company with the addition of the word "Limited''" as the last OED thereof; and
(IV) in the case of a company intended to be registered as a company limited by guarantee, the resolution
declaring the amount of the guarantee.
357. Requirements for registration of companied other than joint-stock companies.-- Before the registration in
pursuance of this Part of any company not being a joint-stock company, there shall be delivered to the
Registrar.--
(a) a list showing the names, addressed and occasions of the directors of the company; and
(b)a copy of deed of settlement, contract of copartner or other instrument constituent or regulating the
company; and
(c) in the case of a company intended to be tegistered as a company limited by guarantee, a copy of the
resolution declaring the amount of the guarantee.
358. Authentication of statement of existing Companies.-- The list of members and directors and any other
particulars relating to the company required to be delivered to the Registrar shall be duly verified by the
declaration of any two or more directors or other principal officers of the company.
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359. Registrar may require evidence as to nature of company.-- The registrar may require such evidence as
he thinks necessary for the purpose of satisfying himself whether any company proposing to be registered is
or is not a joint stock company as defined in section 355.
360 On registration of banking company with limited liability, notice to be given to customer.-(1) Where a
banking company, which was in existence on the commencement of this Act, proposes to register as a limited
company, it shall at least thirty days before so registering give notice of its intention so to register OT every
person who has a banking account with the company be delivery of the notice to him by posting at or his last
know address.
(2) If the company omits to give the notice required by this section, then as between the company and the
person for the time being interested in the account in respect of which the notice ought to have been given and
so far as respect the account down to the time at which notice is given but not further or otherwise the
certificate of registration with limited liability shall have not operation.
361. Exemption of certain Combines from payment of Fees.-- No fees shall be charged in respect of the
registration in pursuance of this part of a company if it is not registered as a limited company, or if before its
registration as a limited company the liability of the shareholders was limited by some Act of Parliament.
362. Addition of "Limited" to name .-- When a company registration in pursuance of this part with limited
liability the word "Limited shall form and be registered as part of its name.
363. Certificate of registration of existing companies.-- On compliance with the requirements of this Part
with respect to registration and on payment of such fees, if any as are payable under Schedule II, the Regisra+
++ hall certificate under his land that the company applying for registration ++ in++orporated as a company
under this Act and in the he a e of a limited company that it is limited, and thereupon the company shall be
incorporated and shall have perpetual succession and a common seal.
364. Vesting of property on registration.-- All property movable and immovable , including all interest and
rights into and out of property, mobile and immovable and including obligations and actionable claims as may
belong to or be vested in a company at the date of its registration the company as incorporated under this Act
for all the estate and interest of the company therein.
365. Saving of existing liabilities.-- registration of a company in pursuance of this Part shall not affect the
rights or liabilities of the company in whatever manner such right on liability accrued or arose.
366. Continuation of suits.-- All suits and other legal proceedings which at the time of the registration of a
company, in pursuance of this part are pending by or against the company or an officer or member thereof
may be continued in the same manner as if the registration had not taken place nevertheless execution shall
not issue against the effects of any individual member of the company on any decree or order obtained in any
such suit or proceeding but in the event of the property and effects of the company being insufficient to satisfy
the decree or order, and order may be obtained for winding up the company.
367 Effect of registration under this Act:-- When a company is registered in pursuance of this Part-
(a) all provision continued in any Act of Parliament deed of settlement contract of copartner or other
instrument constituting or regulating the company or, in the case of a company registered as a company
limited by guarantee, the resolution declaring the amount of the guarantee, shall be deemed to be conditions
and regulations of the company in the same manner and with the same incidence; as it--
(i) so much thereof as would if the comma had been formed under this Act, have been required to be
inserted in the memorandum, were consigned in a registered memorandum; and
(ii) the residue there of were continued in a registered article;
(b) all the provisions of this Act shall apply to the company and the members, contributors and creditors there
of in the he same manner in all respects as of it had been formed under this Act subject as follows
(c) the provisions of this Act with respect to--
(i) the registration of an unlimited company as limited;
(ii) the powers of an unlimited company on registration as a limited company to increase the nominal
amount of its shares capital[ital and to provide that a portion of this share capital and to provided that a
prosing of OT shares capital shall not be capable of being called up except in the event of winding up;
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(iii)the power of a limited company to determine that a prosing of its share capital shall not be capable of
being called up except in the event of winding up; shall apply withnotsanding any provisions contained in
any Act or Parliament , deed of settlement, contract of copartner or other instrument constitution or
regulating the company.,
(d) nothing in this section shall authoress the company to alter any such provisions continued in any Act
or Parliament, deed of settlement contract of copartner or other instrument constitution or regulating the
company, as would., if the company had originally been formed under this Act have been required to be
continued in the memorandum and are not autopsied to be altered by this Act.
(e) nothing in this Act shall derogate from any lawful power of altering its continuation or regulating the
company which may by virtue of any Act of Parliament, deed of settlement contract of copartner or other
instrument constituting or regulating the company, be bested in the company.
368. Power to substitute memorandum and articles for deed of settlement.--(1) Subject OT the provisions of
this section, as company registered in pursuance of this part many by special resolution, alter the form of its
connotation by substituting a memorandum and article for a deed of settled;
(2) the provision of this Act with respect OT confirmation by the Court and registration of an alteration under
this section with the following modifications, namely;--
(a) there shall be subsisted for the printed copy of the lathered memorandum required to be filed with
Registrar a printed copy of the subsisted memorandum and articles; and
(b) on the respiration of the laceration being certified by the Registrar, the subsisted memorandum and
article shall apply to the company in the same manner as if it were a company registered under this Act with
that memorandum and those articles, and the company' deed of settlement shall cease to apply to the
company.
(3) An alteration under this section may be made either with or without any alteration of the objects of the
company under this Act.
(4) IN this section, the expression "deed of settlement" includes any contract of copartner or other
instrument constituting or regulating the company not being an Act of Parliament.
369. Power of Court OT stay or restrain proceedings.-- The provisions of this Act with respect OT to and
restraining skittish and legal proceedings against a company at any time after the presentation of a petition for
winding up and before the making of a winding up order shall, in the case of a company registered in
pursuance of this Part, were the application to say or restrain is by creditor, extend to skittish and legal
proceedings against any contributory of the company.
370 suits stayed on winding up order-- when an order has been made for winding up a company registered in
pursuance of this Part, no suit or other legal proceeding shall be commenced or proceeded with against the
company or any contributor of the company in respect of any debt of the company , except by leave of the
Court and subject to such terms ad the court may impose.
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PART IX
WINDING UP PF UNREGISTERED COMBINES
371. Meaning of "unregarded company" -- For the purposes of this Part, the expression" unregistered company
shall not include a company registered under this Act or under any company law in force at any time company
consisting of more than seven members and not registered under this Act or the said company with the
following exceptions and additions, namely:--
(a) no unregistered company shall be wound up under this Act voluntarily or subject to supervision of the
Court;
(b) the circumstance in which an unregistered company may be wound up are as follows namely;--
(i) if the company is dissolved or has ceased to carry on business or is carrying on business only for the
purpose of winding up its affairs;
(ii) if the company is unable to pay its debts;
(iii) if the Court is of option that is just and equitable that the company should be wound up.
(c) an unregarded company shall for the purposes of this section deemed to be unable to pay its debts.
(i) if a creditor, by assignment or otherwise to who the company is indebted in a sum exceeding five
hundred taka then due has served on the company, by leaving at its principal place of business, or by
delivering to the secretary, or some directly, serving in such manner as the Court may approve or direct a
demand under his hand REQUIRING the company tot he pay service of the demand neglected to pay the sum
or to secure or compound for it to the satisfaction of the creator; or
(ii) if any suit or other legal proceeding has been instituted against any member or any debt or demand
due or claimed to be due from the comma or from him in his character of member, and notice in writing of
the institution of the suit or other legal proceeding having been served on the company by leaving the same at
its p[principle place of business or by delivering it to the secretary, or some director, `manager or principal
office of the company or by otherwise serving the same in such manner as the Court may approve or direct,
the company has not within ten days after service of the notice paid, secured or compounded for the debt or
demand, procured an order for the suit or other legal proceeding to be stayed, or indemnified the said
member or defendant to this reasonable satisfaction against the suitor defendant to his reasonable against all
costs, damages and expense to be in incurred by him by reason of the same; or
(iii) if execution or other process issued on a decree or order obtained in any Court in favour of a creditor
against the company, or any member thereof as such, or any person authorized to be used as nominal
defendant on behalf of the company , is returned unsatisfied; or
(IV) if it is otherwise proved to the satisfaction of the Court that the company is unable to pay its debts.
(2) Nothing in this Part shall affect the operation of any enactment which provides for any partnership,
association or company being wound up or being wound up as a company or as unregistered company ,
under any enactment repealed by this Act, except that reference in any such any enactment repealed
enactment shall be read as reference to the corresponding provision, if any, of this Act.
(3) Where a company incorporate outside Bangladesh which has been carrying on business in
Bangladesh, it may be wound up as an energiser otherwise ceased to exist as a company under or by vulture
of the laws of the country under which it was incorporated.
373. Contributors in winding up of unregistered Companies.--(1) In the event of an unregistered comma
being wound up, every person shall be deemed to a contributory who is liable to pay or contribute to the
payment of any debt or liability of the company, or to pay or contribute to the payment of any sum for the
adjustment of the rights of the members among themselves, or to pay or contribute to the payment of the
costs and expenses of eyeing up the company, and every contributory shall be to contribute to the assets of
the company all sums due from him imp respect of any such liability as aforesaid.
(2) In the event of any contributory dying or being adjudged insolvent contributors.
374. Power to stay or restrain proceedings.-- The provisions of this Act with respect to staying and
restraining suits and legal proceedings against a company at any time after the presentation of a petition for
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winding up and before the making of a winding up order shall, in the case of an unregistered company, where
the application OT stay or restrains is by a creditor, extend to skittish and legal proceedings against any
contributory of the company.
375. Restrictions on commencing etc. of suit after winding up order.--Where an order has been made for
winding up of a company under this Part, no suit or other legal proceedings shall bee proceeded with or
commenced against except by leave of the Court , and subject OT such terms as the Court may impose.
376. Courts directions as to property in certain cases.-- If an unregistered company has no power to sue and
be sued in a common name, or if for any reason it appears expedient the Court may by the winding in order, or
by any subsequent order, direct that all or any part of the property, movable and immovable, and including
obligations and actionable claims as may belong to the company or OT trestles on its befall is to vest in the
official liquidator by his official named and thereupon the property or the part thereof specified in the order
shall best accordingly, and the official liquidator may, after giving such indemnity , if any, as the Court may
direct, bring or defend in his official name any suit or other legal proceeding relating tot that property, or
necessary to be brought or defended for purposes of effectually winding up the company and recovering its
property.
377. Provisions of this part cumulative.-- The provisions of this Part with respect to unregistered
companies shall be addition to, and not in restriction of, any provision herein before in this Act contained with
respect OT winding upcompnaies by the Court and the Court official liquidator may exercise any powers or
do any act in the case of unregistered Combines which might be exercised or done by t or him in the winding
up of Combines formed and registered under this Act; but an unregistered company shall not except in the
event of its being wound up, be deemed OT be a company under this Act, and then only to the extent provided
by this Part.
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PART X
FOREIGN COMBINES' REGISTRATION, ETC.
378. application of sections 376 to 387 to foreign companies.--Sections 379 to 387 shall apply to all
foreign Combines, that is to say, campiness falling under the following two classes, namely:--
(a) Combines incorporated outside Bangladesh which, after commencement of this Act establish a place
of business within
Bangladesh; and
(b) combines incorporate outside Bangladesh which have before the commencement of this Act,
established a place of business within Bangladesh and continued to have an established place of business
with Bangladesh, at the commencement of this Act.
379. Documents, etc. to be delivered to Registrar by foreign Combines carrying on business in Bangladesh--
(1) Foreign Combines, which after the commencement of this Act, establish a place of business with
Bangladesh shall, within one month of the establishment of the place of business,, deliver to the Registrar for
registration--
(a) a certified copy of the charter or statues or memorandum and articles of the company or other
instrument constitution or defining the constitution of the company; and if the instrument is not written in
Beguile or English Language, a certified
Penally or English translation thereof;
(b) the full address of the registered or principal office of the company;
(c) a list of the directors and secretary, if any, of the company;
(d) the name and address or the names and addresses of one or more persons resident in Bangladesh,
authorized to accept on behalf of the company service of p[process and any notice or other document
required to be served on the company; (e) the full address of the office of the company in Ballades which
to be deemed its principal place of business in Bangladesh.
(2) foreign Combines other than those mentioned in sub-section(1), shall if they have not delivered to the
Registrar before the commencement of this Act the Documents and particulars specified in the sub-section
(1) and section continue to be subject to the obligation to deliver those documents and particulars in
accordance with this Act.
(3) If any alteration is made or coccus in--
(a) the charter, studies , or memorandum and articles of foraging company or other instrument
constituting or defining the constitution of a foreign company, or
(b) the registered or principal office of a foreign company or
(d) the names and addresses of the persons authorized to accept service on behalf of a foreign company,
or
(e) the principal place of business of a foreign company in Bangladesh, the Company sh , within the
prescribed time, file with the Registrar a return containing the prescribed particulars of the alteration.
380 Accounts of foreign company.--(1) Every foreign company shall, in every calendar year.--
(a) make out a balance sheet and profit and loss account or in the case of a company not trading for profit, and
income and expenditure account it the company is handling company, group accounts in such form and
consigning such particulars and including such documents, and under the provision of this Act it would, if it
had been accompany within the meaning of this Act, have been required to make out and lay before the
company in general meeting; and (d) deliver three copies of those documents to the Registrar:
Provided that the Government may by notification in the official Gazette direct that in the he case of a
foraging company or class of foreign Combines the requirements of clause (a)) shall not apply, or shall apply
subject to such exceptions and modification as many be specified in the notification.
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(2) If any such document as is mentioned in sub-section (1) is not written in Penal or English language, there
shall be annexed to it a certified translating thereof.
(a) in veery prospectus inviting subscription in Bangladesh for its shares or debentures, state the country
in which the company is incinerated;
(b) conspicuously exhibit on the outside of every office or place where it carries on business in
Bangladesh, the name of the company and the country in which it is incinerated, in the letters easily legible
in Beguile or English character,
(c) cause the name of the company and of the country in which the company is incur outdated, to be
stated in legible Penally or English characters in all bill heads and letter paper, and in all notices and other
official publications of the company; and.
(d) if the liability of the members of the company is limited, cause a notice of that fact--
(i) to be stated in every Suva prospectus as aforesaid and in all bill heads, letter paper, notices, advertisements
and other official publications of the company, in legible Penholders, in legible Penally or English characters.
382. Service on foreign company.-- Any process notice, or other document required OT be served on a foreign
company shall be deemed to be sufficiently served, if addressed to any person mentioned in section 37991) (d)
and left at, or sent by post to the address which has ben so delivered under that section to the Registration.
Provided that--
(a) where any such company make default in delivering to the Registrar in pursuance of that section the
name and address of a person, or
(b) if at any time all the persons whose names and address have been delivered to the Registrar are dead,
or ceased or have ceased so to reside at those addresses, or refused to accept on behalf of the company any
process, notice or other document, or, those cannot be served or sent for any other reason, such document may
be served on the company by leaving it at, or sending it by post to, any place of business established by the
company in Bangladesh.
383. Notice of ceasing place of business of a company.-- If any foreign company ceases to have a
place of business in Bangladesh, it shall forthwith give notice of the fact to the Registrar, and as from the
date on which notice is so given, the obligation of the company to deliver any document to the Registrar
shall cease, provided it has no other place of business in Bangladesh.
384. Penalties.-- If any foreign company fails to comply with any of the foregoing provisions of
this Part, the company shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand taka, or, in the
case of a continuing offence, with an additional fine of five hundred taka for every day after the first day
during which the default continues; and every officer or agent of the company who is knowingly
willfully, makes such default, shall be punishable with the same fine.
385. Company's failure to comply with this Part not to affect its liability under contracts.-- Any
failure by a foreign company to comply with any of the foregoing provisions of this Part shall not affect
the validity of any contract dealing or transaction entered into by the company or its liability to be sued in
respect thereof; but the company shall not be entitled to bring any suit, claim any set off, make any
counter claim or institute any legal proceeding in respect of any such contract, dealing or transaction until
it has complied with the provisions of this Part.
386. Fees for registration of documents under this Part.-- There shall be paid to the Registrar for
registering any document required by the foregoing provisions of this Part such fees as specified in
Schedule II.
387. Interpretation.-- For the purposes of the foregoing provisions of this Part--
(a) the expression "director" includes any person occupying the position of director by whatever name
called.
(b) the expression "prospectus" has the same meaning as when used in relation to a company incorporated
under this Act;
(c) the expression "place of business" includes a share transfer or share registration office;
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(d) the expression "secretary" includes any person occupying the position of secretary, by whatever name
called and (e) the expression "certified" means certified in the prescribed manner to be a true copy or a
correct translation.
388. Restriction on sale and offer for sale of shares.--(1) It shall not be lawful for any person--
(a) to issue, circulate or distribute in Bangladesh any prospectus offering to the public for subscription to
shares in or debentures of a company incorporated or to be incorporated outside Bangladesh whether the
company has or has not established, or when formed will or will not establish, a place of business in
Bangladesh, unless--
(i) before the issue, circulation or distribution of the prospectus in Bangladesh a copy thereof, certified
by the chairman and two other directors of the company as having been approved by resolution of the
managing body, has been delivered for registration to the Registrar;
(ii) the prospectus state on the face of it that the copy has been so delivered;
(iii) the prospectus is dated; and
(iv) the prospectus other wise complies with this Part; or
(b) to tissue to any person in Bangladesh a form of application for shares in or debentures of such a company
of intended company as aforesaid unless the form is issued with a prospectus which complies the requirements
of this Part :
Provided that this clause shall not apply if it is shown that the form of application was issued in connection
with a bonafide invitation to a person to enter into an underwriting agreement with respect to the shares of
debentures.
(2) This section shall not apply to the issue to existing members or debentures holders of a company of a
prospectus or form of application relating to shares in or debentures of the company, whether an applicant for
shares or debentures will not have the right to renounce in favour of other persons, but, subject as aforesaid,
this section shall apply to a prospectus or form of application whether issued or with reference to the
formation of a company or subsequently.
(3) Where any document by which any shares in or debentures of a company incorporated outside
Bangladesh are offered for sale to the public would, if the company concerned had been a company within the
meaning of this Act, have been deemed by virtue of section 142 to be a prospectus issued by the company,
that document shall be deemed to be, for the purposes of this section, a prospectus issued by the company.
(4) An offer of share or debentures for subscription or sale to any person whose ordinary business or part
of whose ordinary business is to by or sell shares or debentures, whether as principal or agent, shall not be
deemed an offer to the public for the purposes of this section.
(5) A person who is knowingly responsible for the issue, circulation or distribution of any prospectus, or
for the issue of a form of application for shares or debentures, in contravention of the provisions of this
section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding ten thousand taka.
(6) In this section and in section 389, the expression "prospectus" "shares" and "debentures" have the
same meaning as and when used in relation to a company incorporated under this Act.
389. Requirements as to prospectus.-- In order to comply with this Part a prospectus, in addition to complying
with the provisions of sub-clauses (ii) and (iii) of clause(a) of sub-section (1) of section 388, must--
(a) Contain particulars with respect to the following matters, namely--
(i) the objects of the company;
(ii) the instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the company;
(iii)the enactments, or provisions having the force of an enactment, by or under which the incorporation
of the company was effected;
(iv) an address in Bangladesh where the said instrument, enactments or provisions, or copies thereof, and
if the same are in a foreign language other than English a translation thereof in the Bengali or English
certified in the prescribe manner can be inspected;
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(v) the date on which and the country in which the company was incorporated.
(vi) whether the company has established a place of business in Bangladesh:
Provided that the provisions of sub-clause (i), (ii), and (iii) of this clause shall not apply in the case of a
prospectus issued more than two years after the date at which the company is entitled to commence business;
(b) subject to the provisions of this section, state the matters specified in sub-section (1) of section 135 and set
out the reports specified in that section :
Provided that--
(i) where any prospectus is published as a newspaper advertisement, it shall be a sufficient compliance
with the requirements that the prospectus must specify the objects of the company if the advertisement
specified the primary objects with which the company was formed; and
(ii) in section 135 of this Act, a reference to the article of the company shall be deemed, to be a reference
to the constitution of the company.
(2) Any condition requiring or binding any applicant for shares or debenture shall be void, if the acceptance
thereof has the effect of--
(a) waiving compliance with any requirements of this section; or
(b) serving him with notice of any contract, document or matter not specifically referred to in the
prospectus.
(3) In the event of non-compliance with or contravention of any of the requirements, of this section, a director
or other person responsible for the prospectus shall not incur any liability by reason of the non-compliance or
contravention, if--
(a) as regards any matter not disclosed, he proves that he was not cognizant thereof; or
(b) he proves that the non-compliance or contravention arose from an honest mistake of fact on his part;
or
(c) the non-compliance or contravention was in respect of matter which, in the option of the court dealing
with the case, were immaterial or were otherwise such as ought, in the option of that Court, having regard
to all the circumstances of the case, reasonably to be excused.
Provided that in the event of failure to include in a prospectus a statement with respect to the matters specified
in clause 18 of the Part-I of Schedule-III or in pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 135, no director or other
person shall insure any liability in respect of the failure unless it be proved that he had knowledge of the
matters not disclosed.
(4) Nothing in this section limit or diminish any liability which any person may incur under the general law or
this Act, apart from this section.
390. Restriction on canvassing for sale of shares.--(1) It shall be an oftence of any person goes from house to
house of the public or any member of public offering shares of a company incorporated outside Bangladesh
for subscription to or sale of such shares.
(2) In this sub-section the expression `house" shall not include an office used for business purposes.
(3) Any person acting in contraventions of this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred
taka.
391. Provisions regarding charges.-- The provisions of section 159 to 168- both inclusive, and 171 to 176,
both inclusive, shall extend to charge on properties in Bangladesh which are created and to charges on
property in Bangladesh which us acquired, by a company incorporated outside Bangladesh which has an
established place of business in Bangladesh :
Provided that, were a charge is created outside Bangladesh or the completion of the equisition of property
takes place outside Bangladesh, sub-clause (i) of the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 159 and the proviso
to sub-section (1) of section 160 shall apply as if the property wherever situated were situated tside
Bangladesh.
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392. Notice of appointment of receiver etc.--(1) The provisions of section 169 and 170 share apply to the
case of all companies incorporated outside Bangladesh but having an established place of business in
Bangladesh.
(2) The provisions of section 181 shall apply to such companies to the extent of requiring them to keep at their
principal place of business in Bangladesh the books of account required by that section with respect to money
received and expended, sales and purchases made, and assets and liabilities in relation to its business in
Bangladesh.
SUPPLEMENTAL
Legal proceedings, offence, etc.
393. Cognizance of offence.--(1) No Court inferior to that of a Magistrate of the first class shall try any
offence under this Act.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898),--
(a) every offence under this Act shall, for the purpose of the said Code, be deemed to be non-cognizable.
(b) where the complainant is the Registrar, the personal attendance of the complainant before the Court
trying the offence shall not be necessary unless the Court, for reasons to be recorded in writing, requires
his personal attendance for the purpose of taking cognizance or holding trial.
394. Application of fines.-- The court imposing any fine under this Act may direct that the whole or any
part thereof be applied in or towards payment of the cost of the proceedings, or in or towards the rewarding of
the person on whose information the fine is recovered.
395. Power to require limited company to give security for costs.-- Where a limited company is plaintiff or
petitioner in any suit or other legal proceeding, any Court having jurisdiction in the matter may, if it appears
that there is reason to believe that the company will be unable to pay the cost of the defendant if successful in
his defense, require sufficient security to be given for those costs, and may stay all proceedings until the
security is given.
396. Power of Court to grant relief in certain cases.--(1) If in any proceeding for negligence, default,
breach of duty or breach of trust against a person specified in sub-section (3, it appears to the Court hearing
the case that persons is or may be liable in respect of the negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust,
but that he has acted honestly and reasonably, and that having regard to all the circumstances of the case,
including those connected with his appointment, he ought fairly to be excused for the negligence, default,
breach of duty or breach of trust, that Court may relieve him, either wholly or partly, from his lability on such
terms as the Court may think fit.
(2) Where any person specified in sub-section (3) has reason to apprehend that any claim will o might be
made against him in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, he may apply to
the Court for relief, and the Court on any such application shall have the same power to relieve him under
this sub-section of it would have under sub-section (1).
(3) The persons to whom this section applies are the following:-
(a) directors of a company;
(b) managers and managing agents of a company;
(c) officers of a company;
(d) persons employed by a company as auditors, whether they are or are not officers of the company.
397. Penalty for false statement.-- Whoever in any return, report, certificate balance-sheet or other
documents, required by or for the purposes of any of the provisions of this Act, willfully makes a statement
false in any material particular, knowing it to be false, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either
description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable tofine.
398. Penalty for wrongful with holding of property.-- Any director, managing agenst, manager or other
officer or employee of a company who wrongfully obtains possession of any property of a company, or
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having any such property in his possession wrongfully withholds it or wilfully applies it to purposes other
than those expressed or directed in the articles and authorised by this Act, shall on the complaint of the
company or a creditor or contributory there-of, be punishable with fine not exceeding five thousand taka, and
may be orderd by the Court trying the offence to deliver of or refund within a time to be fixed by the Court
any such property improperly obtained or wrongfully with- held or wilf lly misapplied, or in default to suffer
imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
399. Penalty for misapplication of securities by employers.--(1) All moneys of securities deposited with a
company by its employees in pursuance of their contracts of service, with the company shall be kept or
deposited by the company in a special account to be opened by the company for this purpose in a scheduled
bank as defined in the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 (P.O.No. 127 of 1972) and no portion thereof shall be
utilised by the company except for the purposes agreed to in the contract of service.
(2) Where a provident fund has been constituted by a company for its employees or any class of its
employees, all moneys contributed to such fund whether by the company or, by the employees or acruing by
way interest or otherwise to such fund shall be either deposited n a Post Office Saving Bank account or
invested in securities mentioned or referred to in clauses (a) to (e) of section 20 of the Trusts Act, 1882 (II of
1882) : and all moneys belonging to such fund which are so deposited or invested shall be so deposited or
invested in such securities by annual instalments not exceeding ten in number and not less in amount in any
year than one tenth of the whole amount of such moneys.
Provided that where the said one-tenth part of the whole amount of the moneys belonging to such fund
exceeds the maximum amount which may be deposited in a Post Office Savings Bank account under the rules
regulating such deposits for the time being in force, the excess amount may be kept or deposited in a special
account to be opened for the purpose in such scheduled bank.
(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the rules of any fund to which sub-section (2) applies or
in any contract between a company and its employees, no employee shall be entitled to receive in respect of
such portion of the amount to his credit in such fund as is invested in accordance with the provisions of sub-
section (2) interest at a rate exceeding the rate of interest yielded by such investment.
(4) An employee shall be entitled on request made in this behalf to the company to see the bank receipt
for any money on security such as is referred to in sub-sections (1) and (2).
(5) Any director, managing agent, managing or other officer of the company who knowingly
contravention or permits or authorises the contravention of the provisions of this section shall be liable on
conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred taka.
(6) Nothing in sub-section (2) shall affect any right of any employee under the rules of a provident fund
to obtain advance from or to withdraw money standing to his credit in the fund where the fund is a recognised
provident fund within the meaning of clause (52) of section 2 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 1984 (XXXVI of
1984), or the rules of the fund containing provisions corresponding to rules 4,5,6,7,8 and 9 and 9 of the
Income Tax (Provident fund Rule, 1984) or similar provisions of a similar Rules.
400. Penalty for improper use of the word "Limited" If any person of persons trade or carry on business
under any name of title of which "Limited" is the last word, that person or those persons shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding five hundred taka everyday upon which that name or title has been used.
401. Construction of "Registrar of Joint Stock Companies" in Act XXI of 1860.-- In sections I and 18 of
the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (XXI of 1860), for the registration of Literacy, Scientific and Charitable
Societies, the words "Registrar of Joint Stock Companies" shall be construed to mean the Registrar under this
Act.
402. Repeal and savings.--(1) The Companies Act 1913 (VII of 1913,) hereinafter referred to as the said
Act, is hereby repealed.
(2) Notwithstanding the repeal of the said Act--
(a) any order, rule, regulation, appointment, mortgage on other transfer deed, document or agreement
made, fee directed, resolution passed, direction given, proceeding taken, instrument executed or issued, or
thing done under or in pursuance of the said Act shall, if in force at the commencement of this Act, comtinue
to be in force and shall have effect as if made, directed, passed, given, taken, exceuted, issued or done under
or in pursuance of this Act;
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(b) any person appointed to any office under or by virtue of the said Act shall be deemed to have been
appointed to that office under or by virtue of this Act;
(c) the offices existing at the commencement of this Act for the registration of companies shall be
continued as if they had been established under this Act;
(d) any register or other kept or made under the provisions of the said Act shall be deemed to be part of
the register of other document to be kept or made under the corresponding provisions of this Act;
(e) all funds constituted and accounts kept under this said Act shall be deemed to be in continuation of
the funds constituted and accounts kept under the corresponding provisions of this Act.
(3) Nothing in this Act shall affect the incorporation of any company registered under the said Act or the
operation of the provisions of the Insurance Act 1938 (IV of 1938).
403. Section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 to apply.-- The mention of particular matters in section
402 or in any other provision of this Act shall not prejudice the general application of section 6 of the General
Clauses Act, 1897 (X of 1897).
404. Publication of Authentic English Text.-- After the commencement of this Act, the Government shall,
by notification in the official gazette publish a Text of this Act translated in English, and this Text shall be
called the Authentic English Text of the Act :
Provided that in the event of conflict between the Act (Bangali Text) and he said English Text. the Act shall
prevail.
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