Past Corruption
Govt facing criticism for taking action: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday told parliament that her government was facing criticism as it had been taking action against corruption, which took place in the past.
“Corruption took place when others were in power in the past. The corruption was kept suppressed. Now all of that is surfacing, and we are taking action,” Hasina, also leader of the House, said in her winding up speech of parliament's 14th session.
Citing the Hall-Mark loan scam, Hasina said the managing director of Sonali Bank Humayun Kabir was a leader of Zia Parishad, a pro-BNP organisation.
Similarly, Hall-Mark MD Tanvir Mahmud, who laundered the money, was a man of Hawa Bhaban, popularly known as an alternative power house of Khaleda Zia during the past BNP-led government, she said.
Hasina said the culture of looting bank money and defaulting on loans begun after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman when the military rulers gave patronage to split political parties and form new parties.
The prime minister said the Anti-Corruption Commission was preparing to sue people involved in the Hall-Mark loan scam.
The AL chief also blasted her arch rival BNP chief Khaleda Zia for what she said declining to appear at court despite repeated summons.
“When court summons her [Khaleda], she feels sick. But later she feels well and makes statements against our government.
“Why does she fear to appear at court if she did not embezzle the money of Zia Orphanage Trust?” Hasina asked. Her repeated refusal to appear at court proves that she has embezzled the money, she said.
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