Government and Loan Shark Victims Reach Agreement, Implementation Concerns Remain

The recent agreement between loan shark (usury) victims and the government, following prolonged street struggles and sidewalk marches, is positive in itself. The cabinet's decision to declare usury an economic offense and form various mechanisms to solve the problem has once again sparked hope for justice among the victims.

The agreement between the government and the struggle committee mentions the formation of a three-tier high-level mechanism. The first is a high-level mechanism and a department to be formed under the leadership of a secretary in the Prime Minister's Office. The second is a task force to be formed in each district under the coordination of the Chief District Officer and the police. The third is a draft committee to be formed under the leadership of the Home Ministry to draft a new law.