Staff Correspondent:
In a fiery session at the National Parliament on Monday, discussions reached a boiling point as members debated the critical issues of money laundering and human trafficking.
Independent Member of Parliament for Faridpur-3 Constituency AK Azad led the charge by demanding accountability for individuals who have illicitly funnelled money abroad after taking loans, creating what he termed "second homes" overseas. Azad called for a thorough investigation by relevant authorities, insisting that the names of those involved should be disclosed within the Parliament.
Opposition Chief Whip Mujibul Haque Chunnu echoed concerns regarding the unabated scourge of human trafficking, asserting that current efforts are failing to stem the tide. He criticized the lack of effective measures to combat the issue, accusing some leaders and public representatives from the ruling party of complicity with traffickers.
AK Azad said that those who have taken loans and invested in factories and failed to repay, they can be exempted after investigation.
“But those who have smuggled loans, made Begum Para and second home in abroad, they should be brought to justice through a fair investigation by the concerned agencies and their names should be published in this Parliament.”
Speaking during the session chaired by Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Azad emphasized the need for stringent action against loan defaulters, particularly those who have siphoned funds overseas. He referenced the staggering amount of non-performing loans in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of upholding the government's pledge of zero tolerance towards corruption.
Referring to the amount of non-performing loans in Bangladesh now which is at least Tk1,55,397 crore, AK Azad said: “Awami League's manifesto said that the policy of zero tolerance against corruption will continue. In light of that, I would like to say, first of all good governance should be established in the banking sector. Bank robbers are responsible for inflation. If it is not brought under the law, the initiative to implement the Prime Minister's vision will be thwarted.” Chunnu highlighted disturbing statistics, citing data from Brac indicating a significant number of trafficking cases over the past decade. He lamented the lack of coordination between law enforcement agencies, particularly the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the police, urging the Home Minister to prioritize addressing these systemic challenges.
Jatiya Party Secretary General and Opposition Chief Whip Mujibul Haque Chunnu said: “Human trafficking is not stopping in any way. Everyone knows everything, but there is no stopping the terrible human trafficking. Heinous activities like smuggling have been going on for a long time in 10 points of the four border districts. Traffickers are choosing these points for trafficking women and children as these points are relatively safe for them.”
Chunnu further said: “Apart from law and order forces, some leaders and public representatives of the ruling party are involved with the traffickers.”
Citing Brac data, he added: “From 2008 to 2021, 6,735 trafficking cases were recorded. The number of victims of the cases were 12,324. In the last 12 years, 2,500 people trafficked to India have been brought back to Bangladesh maintaining the legal process.”
He also said: “According to our law, the Border Guard of Bangladesh can raid within 8 kilometers of the border and police can raid anywhere. But there is an incoordination between Police and the BGB.”
He urged the home minister to give the issue serious attention.
