‘Nothing can happen beyond administration’s knowledge’
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal yesterday said nothing can happen in the country beyond the knowledge of the administration.
“Administration should be aware; if they are not, they must explain. Nothing can happen in the country which the administration does not know of,” he said while talking to the media at a Dhaka hotel following an event.
Journalists asked the minister about the ongoing drive by law enforcers against casinos and bars.
When asked whether NBR was directed to take action against them, he said, “Of course.”
Replying to a query on casino equipment import and the role of NBR, the minister said, “Everything is documented...Those [equipment] may be imported as spare parts, machinery or through false declaration. So, none will be spared.”
He also said NBR cannot just take away illegally earned money. “There are some procedures to follow.”
When asked about Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry Secretary Mohibul Haque’s statement that casino facilities will be available only for foreign tourists at exclusive tourist zones, the minister said casino involves
gambling which is illegal in the country.
“I don’t think anything illegal will be legalised,” Kamal said.
Praising the ongoing drives, Kamal said prime minster has taken a decision and it is very clear. “I don’t think she will backtrack... No matter how powerful, criminals will be punished within the legal framework.”
Terming the ongoing crackdown a “cleansing operation”, the finance minister said, “We should all support it.”
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