News Desk :
Around a dozen lawmakers are involved in money laundering, human trafficking, corruption, grabbing of government and private properties, BNP MP Gulam Mohammad Siraj told the parliament today.
Participating in the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech, the opposition MP criticised the Awami League government and the party’s leaders, saying they have no accountability.
He also called upon the government to ensure “democratic practices”.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was present in the parliament at that time.
While Siraj was speaking, members of the ruling party protested and shouted several times.
At one point, Deputy Speaker Fazle Rabbi Miah, who was presiding over the sitting at that time, urged everyone to remain calm, saying, “Let him speak. You will get the opportunity to respond to his (Siraj) statement.” Amid disruption, Siraj went on saying, “I cannot thank the president for not talking about bribery, corruption, terrorism, murder and rape in his speech and for not giving directions in this regard.”
Criticising the widespread corruption in health and financial sectors, Siraj said, “Money launderers remain invisible. Who are their patrons? They are all government-backed, directly involved with the government. From Basic Bank’s Abdul Hai Bachchu to today’s Proshanta Kumar Haldar-all are close to the government.”
Mentioning the name of independent MP Mohammad Shahid Islam Papul for his involvement in human trafficking and money laundering, Siraj said Papul has tarnished not only the image of the parliament but also of the country.
Pointing to widespread irregularities and rigging in different elections under the present government, he said, “Thousands of crores of taka are being spent in the name of holding election. What is the benefit of spending people’s money on holding such mockery of election?”
“…I would also like to thank the Prime Minister for her measures in eradicating terrorism and militancy. I would like to thank her for the empowerment of women. But there is no democracy and good governance in the country. People want to hear the truth from the President,” he said.
After Siraj finished his speech, the Deputy Speaker said pointing to the BNP MP, “What you have spoken about the President is not true. I will verify whether those statements can be expunged (from the parliament proceedings).”
Later several MPs participating in the thanksgiving motion on the President’s speech lambasted BNP, its chairperson Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman for their misrule and ties with militants when they were in power.
