BNP must explain source of money given to lobbyists

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the BNP has to explain the source of crores of dollars it has given to lobbyists as part of its anti-state conspiracy.

"The BNP has to answer and explain from where they have got lakhs or crores of dollars to give foreign firms and how the money has been siphoned off abroad," she told parliament yesterday.

Hasina, also the leader of the House, was speaking on the thanksgiving motion on the president's speech. This was also her closing speech in the 16th session of the 11th Jatiya Sangsad.

She said the lobbyists have been hired to prevent the trial of war criminals, thwart election, make polls questionable, protect militants and killers of the Father of the Nation, tarnish the country's image and prevent its progress.

The PM said PR firms have been hired by the government for boosting investment in the country, its export and production, and protection of the rights of Bangladesh and its workers.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury prorogued this year's first sitting of parliament after it accepted unanimously the president's speech.

The JS session began on January 16 when President Abdul Hamid addressed the House as per the parliamentary practice.