Bangladesh Defense
Saif
Senior Member
- Jan 24, 2024
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Prove even one taka of corruption, I’ll resign: Hasnat Abdullah
NCP MP also questions progress in ACC cases against Bashundhara Group
Prove even one taka of corruption, I’ll resign: Hasnat Abdullah
NCP MP also questions progress in ACC cases against Bashundhara Group
Photo: Screengrab
National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Hasnat Abdullah today declared in parliament that he would resign if any investigation proves his involvement in corruption.
While giving a personal explanation in the House this afternoon, Hasnat responded to remarks made earlier by BNP MP Akhtaruzzaman, who accused individuals of betraying the ideals of the July Uprising and claimed that some who once rode rickshaws now drive Prado after “selling the spirit of July.”
Hasnat said the remarks were directed at him and others. “The DGFI, NSI, police and military are under your control. I urge you, as someone holding such a responsible position, not to make unsubstantiated allegations. If an investigation proves that I was involved in even one taka of corruption or any wrongdoing, I will resign from parliament,” he said.
Responding to parts of BNP MP Sayeed Al Noman's speech, he clarified that he had never sought money from him; rather, he sought allocation for his constituency.
Earlier, during the discussion on the proposed budget, Hasnat sought the speaker’s protection, saying opposition MPs feared that criticising the government or its ministers could lead to budget cuts in their constituencies.
Immediately after Hasnat’s speech, Noman remarked that Hasnat should not seek “money” but rather “allocation” for his constituency.
‘Where does Bashundhara’s power come from?’
While speaking in the parliament, Hasnat demanded punishment for those responsible for enforced disappearances and killings, as well as accountability for Bashundhara Group over allegations of money laundering and asset grabbing.
He also questioned whether any "under-the-table" deal had been reached in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s case against the conglomerate. If no such compromise existed, he said, the government must explain what was preventing legal action against the group.
“During the interim government, the ACC filed cases against Bashundhara. We want to know what progress has been made,” he said.
“This Bashundhara Group laundered money abroad, seized public assets and used its media outlets to legitimise disappearances and killings under the Awami League. We want to know where its power comes from,” he said.
Hasnat alleged that the group used its media outlets to legitimise disappearances during the Awami League’s rule and to target its critics.
He said even ruling party members privately expressed concern, while some of their colleagues served as advisers to Bashundhara-owned media outlets.
He called for effective action against loan defaulters, money launderers and those who “promote narratives in support of fascism”.
Referring to the interim government’s white paper on the economy, he said it documented Tk 28 lakh crore siphoned abroad, yet those responsible now move about the country with impunity.
He praised the prime minister for refraining from vindictive politics but added, “Not being vindictive is not the same as ensuring justice.”
“We want him [prime minister] and his party to assure the nation that justice will be delivered for enforced disappearances and killings, the rule of law will be upheld, and those who used controlled media to promote narratives in support of fascism will also be held accountable,” he said.
NCP MP also questions progress in ACC cases against Bashundhara Group
Photo: Screengrab
National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Hasnat Abdullah today declared in parliament that he would resign if any investigation proves his involvement in corruption.
While giving a personal explanation in the House this afternoon, Hasnat responded to remarks made earlier by BNP MP Akhtaruzzaman, who accused individuals of betraying the ideals of the July Uprising and claimed that some who once rode rickshaws now drive Prado after “selling the spirit of July.”
Hasnat said the remarks were directed at him and others. “The DGFI, NSI, police and military are under your control. I urge you, as someone holding such a responsible position, not to make unsubstantiated allegations. If an investigation proves that I was involved in even one taka of corruption or any wrongdoing, I will resign from parliament,” he said.
Responding to parts of BNP MP Sayeed Al Noman's speech, he clarified that he had never sought money from him; rather, he sought allocation for his constituency.
Earlier, during the discussion on the proposed budget, Hasnat sought the speaker’s protection, saying opposition MPs feared that criticising the government or its ministers could lead to budget cuts in their constituencies.
Immediately after Hasnat’s speech, Noman remarked that Hasnat should not seek “money” but rather “allocation” for his constituency.
‘Where does Bashundhara’s power come from?’
While speaking in the parliament, Hasnat demanded punishment for those responsible for enforced disappearances and killings, as well as accountability for Bashundhara Group over allegations of money laundering and asset grabbing.
He also questioned whether any "under-the-table" deal had been reached in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s case against the conglomerate. If no such compromise existed, he said, the government must explain what was preventing legal action against the group.
“During the interim government, the ACC filed cases against Bashundhara. We want to know what progress has been made,” he said.
“This Bashundhara Group laundered money abroad, seized public assets and used its media outlets to legitimise disappearances and killings under the Awami League. We want to know where its power comes from,” he said.
Hasnat alleged that the group used its media outlets to legitimise disappearances during the Awami League’s rule and to target its critics.
He said even ruling party members privately expressed concern, while some of their colleagues served as advisers to Bashundhara-owned media outlets.
He called for effective action against loan defaulters, money launderers and those who “promote narratives in support of fascism”.
Referring to the interim government’s white paper on the economy, he said it documented Tk 28 lakh crore siphoned abroad, yet those responsible now move about the country with impunity.
He praised the prime minister for refraining from vindictive politics but added, “Not being vindictive is not the same as ensuring justice.”
“We want him [prime minister] and his party to assure the nation that justice will be delivered for enforced disappearances and killings, the rule of law will be upheld, and those who used controlled media to promote narratives in support of fascism will also be held accountable,” he said.
