People to resist BNP again if it tries to thwart polls: PM

Khaleda sons' $1.0b, other property traced abroad, she says

FE Team | Published: January 10, 2018 23:58:30

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the people will resist the BNP-Jamaat like the previous time if they try to thwart the election this time.
"The BNP-Jamaat made all out efforts and unleashed terrorist acts to resist the 2014 elections. But their movement didn't get public support, rather they (people) put up resistance against it," she told the Jatiya Sangsad.
Sheikh Hasina added that the people of the country will resist the BNP-Jamaat if they try again to thwart the elections this time, reports BSS.
Because, the people are getting benefits from the development work that the present government initiated after coming to power in 2014, she said.
She said that despite the obstruction by the BNP-Jamaat, the people gave vote in the polls. "Nearly 40 per cent votes were casted in the polls," she said, adding the people are witnessing socioeconomic development as the continuity of the government is ongoing.
Pointing out the mindless violence and rampage harboured by the BNP-Jamaat to overthrow the government and resist the 2014 polls, women, children, teachers, students, policemen-none were spared from their arson attacks.
They killed common people, CNG, bus and truck drivers and helpers by pouring petrol, she said.
She said different mega projects will be implemented if the continuation of the present government keeps up. "We could achieve 8 per cent GDP growth and slash poverty rate further if the continuity of the government is maintained," she said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said one billion dollars as well as other property owned by the sons of Khaleda Zia were traced in Belgium, Malaysia, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
"Of them, 750 million dollars were traced in Belgium, 250 million dollars in Malaysia, while houses, markets and other properties were detected in Dubai and Saudi Arabia ... this is under investigation," she said.
The prime minister disclosed this while replying to a starred question raised by treasury bench member Begum Fazilatunnesa Bappi (reserve seat-30) in the House during her question answer session.
Sheikh Hasina said reports mentioning Khaleda Zia No 3 in a list of corrupts of the world were published in different international media.
In this connection, the prime minister attached the reports published in media to her written answer.
The premier said Khaleda Zia didn't give any rejoinder of the reports published in the media.
Sheikh Hasina also issued a strong warning against looting and smuggling of public property saying that the government is pledge-bound to take legal action against the money launderers.
"I want to clearly say that looting and smuggling of the property of the people of the country won't be allowed. This type of misdeed will be unearthed through investigations and legal action will be taken against those involved in it," she said.
The prime minister also said the government is pledge-bound to take legal action against those who siphoned off money abroad which they earned through corruption or other crimes. To this end, she said, all government agencies are working together.
The Leader of the House said in this process over Tk 2.0 million smuggled by Arafat Rahman Koko was brought back from Singapore.
Besides, she said, the responsibility for bringing other persons involved in money laundering under the law immediately was reposed in the inter-organisations task force led by the attorney general, and other law enforcement agencies.
Sheikh Hasina said Khaleda Zia's other son Tarique Rahman siphoned off huge amount of money.
Tarique and his business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun smuggled money worth Tk 210 million to Singapore's CTNA Bank in exchange for giving work to a foreign work jointly, she said.
The premier said not only Bangladesh, the FBI of the United States also carried out investigations.
To holding the source, she said, FBI Field Agent Debra Laprevotte gave deposition at a special court in 2012 and in this case Tarique was convicted for seven years by the High Court.
She said in the same way nearly Tk 60 million were found in London's Nat West Bank.