Act against those involved in gold smuggling: MPs

One independent MP and a Jatiya Party (JP) lawmaker have demanded that the government take stern actions against the officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines involved in gold smuggling. JP MP Kazi Firoz Rashid and Haji Selim (independent) raised the issue on Thursday as a senior Biman official and a relative of its chairman were arrested on Wednesday for their alleged involvement with illegal trade in the precious metal. Taking floor in an unscheduled discussion at the parliament, Firoz Rashid said it is very unfortunate for the nation that gold smuggling is being committed through the national flag carrier in connivance with a section of its dishonest officials. He asked the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry to summon the Biman Chairman and seek explanation about the recent spate of the gold smuggling and its rackets. Haji Selim opened the debate saying that cats have been given the responsibility to ensure the security of dried fish. The lawmaker from Old Dhaka said: ‘A gang of small gold smugglers with millions of taka have been detained, but the big fishes remained untouched. Anyway, those detained should not get the opportunity to come out,’ according to a news agency.