AL lawmaker from Cumilla-7 slams govt in parliament over graft, money laundering

A senior Awami League lawmaker came down heavily on the government in the parliament today for corruption and money laundering in the country.

Professor Md Ali Ashraf, ruling party's lawmaker from Cumilla-7, was participating in a discussion on the supplementary budget at the Jatiya Sangsad today.

"We didn't take part in the country's Liberation War [in 1971] just for our own sake. We didn't participate in the struggle with the hope of getting any benefit. We had fought in response to the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to free our people and to bring smiles on their faces," Ali Ashraf said.

"Now in this country, we have to bow down our heads in shame because of some big-time thieves," he lamented.

"Although the prime minister and her government have unequivocally declared zero tolerance against corruption and those involved in money laundering, I think adequate and proper steps should be taken in this regard," he said.  

The ruling party MP also suggested that the government overhaul the tax administration to enhance its efficiency, transparency and sincerity.

"Otherwise, we will not be able to reach our desired goal," Ashraf added.

Also, Dr Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir, senior AL lawmaker from Chandpur-1 constituency, criticised the government for imposing tax on the income of private universities and medical colleges in the proposed budget for FY 2021-22.

"Educational development through private entrepreneurship will be hindered due to imposing of such tax," Dr Alamgir said.

The senior AL lawmaker also proposed that the government form a bank commission and a tax commission for bringing reforms in the two sectors.