Staff Reporter :
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to file a case against Bangladeshi MP Mohammad Shahid Islam alias Kazi Papul and his wife Salina Islam, who is also an MP from a reserved seat in the parliament, on charges of money laundering and amassing illegal wealth. The couple’s daughter Wafa Islam, Papul’s sister-in-law Jesmin Akhter, and his business associate Jamshed Kabir alias Baki Billah will also be sued in the case, for the illegal transaction of Tk148 crore.
The anti-graft watchdog approved the case in its regular meeting on Tuesday, and ACC Deputy Director Md Salahuddin will file the case soon, said ACC Director (Media) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya.
It is rare for the ACC to file lawsuits against sitting members of the parliament. The anti-graft watchdog usually moves against lawmakers for corruption after their term in office ends.
Earlier on September 8, the commission interrogated Awami League activists Jamshed Kabir and Nur Uddin Chowdhury Nayan, the business associates of Papul.
An independent MP from Lakshmipur 2 constituency, Papul was arrested by the Kuwaiti police on June 6 from his residence in Kuwait city.
Currently imprisoned in Kuwait, the Bangladeshi MP faced charges of human trafficking, money laundering, and exploitation of business workers.
On February 26, the ACC launched an inquiry against Papul over allegations of amassing Tk 1,400 crore through his involvement in human trafficking to Kuwait and other countries.
On June 10, the commission served notices on the lawmaker and members of his family, seeking their wealth statements.
On June 22, the commission sent a letter to Bangladesh Bank to freeze the business accounts of Papul, Salina, Wafa, and Jasmine in domestic and foreign banks and financial institutions.
The anti-graft watchdog on July 22 quizzed Salina and Jasmine for allegedly assisting Papul in human trafficking and amassing illegal wealth.
Meanwhile, the ACC imposed a travel ban on the two on June 17.
