Staff Reporter :
Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader sought detail information from CPD so that they could back the money of Tk 92,000 crore that robbed from banking sector in the last 15 years.
Apart from it, he also urged the United States (US) to impose visa sanctions on those who are impeding the next general elections in Bangladesh.
“If the CPD provide details, we will bring the money back to the country,” Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, made the call while speaking at a press conference held at the AL President’s Dhanmondi political office in the city on Monday.
Obaidul Quader said, as the CPD has raised the allegation of irregularity, it should say where the money has gone.
Earlier on Saturday (Dec 23), the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) revealed that more than Tk 92,261 crore has been siphoned off from the country’s banking sector through various scams over the past 15 years from 2008 to 2023.
The independent think-tank disclosed the information at a media briefing titled ‘Economy of Bangladesh 2023-24: Ongoing Crisis and Actions’ at its Dhanmondi office in Dhaka on Saturday morning.
The funds were plundered through 24 scams in the banking sector from 2008 to 2023, CPD also said.
However, the AL general Secretary also said, “It is a widely circulated announcement of the US that it will impose restrictions on the people creating barrier to holding the elections and apply those. To this end, we are seeking attention to the visiting five-member US delegation, including NDI (National Democratic Institute).
About the violation of electoral code of conduct, he said law enforcement agencies will take appropriate action against those who will destroy the election environment and get involved in conflict.
“There is always concern of conflict. But the AL president will continue zero tolerance policy in this regard.
The law enforcement agency will take proper steps against those who will breach election environment and get involved in conflict,” Quader said.
He repeated that whether it is the AL candidates or independent candidates, the law enforcing agencies will take proper action against those who spoil the polls environment.
“And we expect it on behalf of the party,” he added. Responding to a question, Quader asked why BNP will distribute leaflets against the elections.
“Why will BNP wage a non-cooperation movement?” he questioned, saying this programme of BNP is to foil the peaceful elections.
