Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has declared that the government will take any measures necessary to return laundered money belonging to the public back to the country.
The Prime Minister made these remarks on Wednesday (April 1) during a parliamentary session, responding to a supplementary question from Abul Kalam, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-9. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikrom.
A Responsibility to the People
Addressing the issue of illicit financial outflows, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that the funds in question belong to the citizens.
"As a government elected by the people, we have an accountability to the public and the nation," he stated. "Naturally, one of the primary responsibilities of this government is to bring back the people's money and utilize it for their welfare and the development of the country."
He reassured the nation that the administration remains committed to this goal, stating, "Insha'Allah, you can be certain that this government will take whatever steps are required to ensure the people's money is returned."
Legal Framework and Accountability
In response to a further query from Mujibur Rahman, MP for Rajshahi, the Prime Minister clarified the process regarding the identification and prosecution of money launderers.
Regarding the compilation of a list of offenders, the Prime Minister noted that this task does not fall under the Prime Minister’s Office. "Relevant government departments are responsible for this, and they are currently identifying those involved in these injustices," he clarified.
Upholding the Rule of Law
Reflecting on the country's political transition, Prime Minister Rahman criticized the "arbitrary actions" of the previous administration. He contrasted past practices with the current government's commitment to the judicial process.
"We have seen in the past how individuals within the government, driven by personal interest, ignored the laws and ethics of the land to pick up whoever they wished and forcibly extract statements. This government, however, is respectful of the law."
The Prime Minister underscored that the administration intends to operate strictly within the country's existing legal framework to ensure no citizen is deprived of justice.
"The law will take its own course," he concluded. "We will initiate all processes through legal channels, and those who have misappropriated or laundered the people's money will be punished according to the laws of the land."
