Taskforce to go for legal action against political heavyweights: Masud

FE Report

The National Task Force (NTF) on Serious Crime will move for legal action against key political party leaders after completing thorough investigation including their bank accounts.

"We will scrutinise sources of the funds, income tax return statements and other documents before moving for further actions as the persons alleged are very important," Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury told the reporters at the reception programme of Feni Samity in the city Saturday.

Regarding bank accounts of alleged political leaders and businessmen, Masud, also coordinator of the NTF on serious crime, said they will verify whether the accounts were properly maintained in a transparent manner and as per policy.

Mentioning the experience that they have gathered while dealing with corruption cases over the last three months, he said the trial process of those accused will gain momentum in the days ahead.

Talking to the reporters at the sideline of a reception programme, he said the government managed to have brought back Tk 2.60 billion -Tk 2.70 billion from abroad.

Replying to a question on the goal of the government, Masud said: "I would like to make Bangladesh free from corruption."

"We are working to elevate the image of the country and not to top the list for corruption again," he further said.

Masud said: "We need time and the outcome of the reforms cannot be  expected over night. Time is a major factor to get benefit from any work."

Speaking at the reception programme as the chief guest, Masud said this is not an army-led government.

"The government has the support of the people," he said.

Mentioning Bangladesh a country of huge potential, Masud said: "We should work together for development of the country by sacrificing self-interest."

Answering a question, he reiterated the government's position that genuine businessmen have nothing to fear.

Presided over by Mustafizur Rahman Dulal, president of the Feni Samity, among others, Mahbubul Alam Tara, former whip of the national assembly, Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Jasmin Masud Chowdhury, wife of Lieutenant general Masud Ahmed Chowdhury, and Goni Ahmed, General Secretary of Feni Samity, spoke at the reception programme.

However, the speakers urged the government to establish an export processing zone (EPZ) and vocational university in Feni and reopen Birulia railway station considering the greater interest of the people.