Hasina's rule was marked by crony capitalism, oligarchy and embezzlement: Dr Mahbub Ullah
Sheikh Hasina's rule was characterised by crony capitalism, oligarchy, and embezzlement and information regarding the money laundering activities of her entire family is coming to light, said economist Dr Mahbub Ullah at an event today (8 February).
He said through her corrupt rule, Sheikh Hasina facilitated her sister, daughter, son, and the entire family to engage in corruption.
Dr Mahbub Ullah, who is also the convener of the Bangladesh Economic Association, made the remarks as the chief guest at an event titled "Widespread Money Laundering under Awami Rule" organised by Debate for Democracy's Shadow Parliament at the FDC in the capital.
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He further stated that Sheikh Hasina views Bangladesh as her personal estate, not the people's, which has led to the illegal transfer of billions of taka abroad during her tenure.
At the event, chairman of Debate for Democracy, Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran, said during the last one and a half decades under the corrupt Awami government, Bangladesh had turned into a paradise for money laundering. During this period, the White Paper Committee reported allegations of around Tk28 lakh crore being laundered.
"The highest amount of money laundering in the country's history is now being linked to the Mujib family," he said.
"Some judges, as accomplices to money laundering, have become subservient and have used the judiciary as a tool. In the past, the judicial system has provided protection to money launderers," he added.
He said during the Awami League government, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), BFIU, and CID were instructed by the court to investigate allegations of $1 billion money laundering against S Alam Group in Singapore. "However, the bench of then-Justice Enayetur Rahim deliberately suspended this investigation for six months, until the 7 January national election, which was widely criticised."
He further added, "In every coal-based power plant – such as Rampal, Matarbari, Payra, Barisal, and SS Power – extensive money laundering has taken place through over-invoicing of coal purchases."
