Govt to probe Zia family’s wealth abroad: PM to JS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told parliament that her government will investigate the allegation of laundering over Tk 12,00 crore  in 12 countries by BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s family.

The premier said this while replying to a supplementary question by opposition bench lawmaker Fakhrul Imam.

The Jatiya Party MP questioned according to a latest report of “Global Intelligence Network (GIN)”, family members of Khaleda Zia have laundered money more than Tk 12,00 crore in 12 countries where they have businesses, flats and other types of wealth.

Fakhrul Imam said Khaleda Zia, her elder son Tarique Rahman, late younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, BNP leader Moudud Ahmed, former minister Aminul Islam, BNP standing committee members -- Mirza Abbas and Nazrul Islam Khan, Abbas’s wife Afroza Abbas have different types of business and properties in abroad.

He wanted to know whether PM is aware of this report and what actions her government will take to bring back that money from abroad.

In reply, Hasina, also leader of the House said she is informed about the GIN report on Zia family members’ laundering money to abroad.

“We will take action following proper investigation to check authenticity of the report,” the PM said adding, “The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit under the Bangladesh Bank is also working in this regard.”

She said her government will take measures to bring back the laundered money if the allegations are found to be true.

The prime minister however said for the sake of the investigation she will not provide further information in this regard.

Pointing to BNP’s rule in 2001 to 2006, PM said everyone is well informed that BNP had carried out killing, repression and looted public money during its tenure.

“People also know it well how they laundered public money. This was for the first time in the country’s history that we had brought back the money of Khaleda Zia’s younger son Arafat Rahman Koko which he had laundered,” she also said.

The Daily Star however couldn’t verify authenticity of JP MP’s claim independently.

According to the website of Global Intelligence Network, it has been incorporated in Nevada since 1996 and has a seasoned staff that encompasses over 150 years of investigative, law enforcement and intelligence experience.

It has conducted background investigations of individuals and companies for governmental compliance, regulatory due diligence, pre-employment backgrounds and employee re-evaluations in over 80 countries.

Investigations relating to sensitive business decisions such as mergers and acquisitions or corporate appointments often are outsourced to Global Intelligence Network.