Govt to probe Zia family for 'money laundering'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday told parliament that her government would investigate the allegation of laundering over Tk 1,200 crore in 12 countries by the BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's family.

She said this while replying to a supplementary question by opposition bench lawmaker Fakhrul Imam.

In his question, the Jatiya Party MP said according to a latest report of “Global Intelligence Network”, family members of Khaleda Zia have laundered over Tk 1,200 crore in 12 countries where they have business and properties.

Fakhrul Imam said Khaleda Zia, her sons Tarique Rahman and late Arafat Rahman Koko, BNP leader Moudud Ahmed, former minister Aminul Islam, BNP standing committee members Mirza Abbas and Nazrul Islam Khan, and Abbas's wife Afroza Abbas have business and properties abroad.

He wanted to know whether the PM was aware of the report and what actions her government would take regarding it.

In reply, Hasina, also leader of the House, said she is aware of the report. “We will take actions following a proper investigation… The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit under the Bangladesh Bank is also working in this regard.”

She, however, said for the sake of the investigation she will not provide further information.

Pointing to BNP's rule from 2001 to 2006, the premier said everyone is well informed that BNP had carried out killing and repression and looted public money.

“People know it well how they had laundered the money. For the first time in the country's history we had brought back the laundered money of Arafat Rahman Koko.”

The Daily Star, however, could not verify authenticity of the JP MP's claim independently.

According to the website of Global Intelligence Network, it has been incorporated in Nevada, USA since 1996 and has a seasoned staff that encompasses over 150 years of investigative, law enforcement and intelligence experience.

It has conducted background investigations of individuals and companies for governmental compliance, regulatory due diligence, pre-employment backgrounds and employee re-evaluations in over 80 countries.

Responding to another query, the PM said the government has taken a “zero tolerance policy” to curb militancy and vowed to take legal actions against any person or organisations if found guilty of funding militancy.