Zia family has $12b invested in 12 countries

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday alleged that members of Zia family, including Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman, have invested about $12 billion in 12 countries.

“Foreign media revealed that former prime minister Khaleda Zia, her sons and a brother have invested around $12 billion in different businesses in 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” he said.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was addressing a press conference at the AL president's Dhanmondi office.

He raised the allegation a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at another press conference alleged that Khaleda laundered money abroad.

The AL general secretary said the “laundered money” should be brought back.

He called upon the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the allegations of money laundering and to bring the real culprits to justice.

About BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's remarks on apologising, Quader said it is not the AL, but the BNP should apologise.

“There is no precedence of the Awami League offering apology. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina didn't speak about BNP chairperson's corruption without having information and evidence,” he said.

Fakhrul at a press conference in the capital on Friday blasted the PM for providing “false and fabricated” information about Khaleda and her family members' assets in Saudi Arabia and threatened to take legal action against Hasina if she didn't apologise.

The AL general secretary said BNP never apologised to the nation although its “corruption has been proved” in the US and Singapore courts. 

“Mr Mirza Fakhrul, the way you brought the issue while reacting to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks, it seems you are trying to hide the truth,” he said.

Quader also criticised Fakhrul for blaming the incumbent government for alleged corruption in different mega projects, including the Padma bridge and metro rail projects.

“Prove that corruption has been committed in the Padma bridge project. Otherwise, you will have to face legal action,” Quader said.

He accused the BNP of spreading falsehood and making irresponsible statements against the premier and her family members.

According to some media reports, allegedly based on information by Global Intelligence Network and Canadian TV channel The National, anti-corruption investigation in Saudi Arabia revealed that Khaleda and her family members have assets in the Kingdom.