Government reviewing corruption allegations against former president: Law Minister

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said the government is seriously reviewing various corruption allegations that surfaced against former president Mohammed Shahabuddin during his tenure as chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and director of Islami Bank. After the investigation, necessary action will be taken in accordance with the law in public interest.

He made these remarks while speaking to journalists after a training workshop and reception for new lawyers organised by the Chattogram District Lawyers' Association on Sunday (July 26).

The Law Minister said the government does not wish to be unjust to anyone. The veracity of the allegations is being examined. If evidence is found during the investigation, legal action will be taken.

On the election of a new president, he said the subsequent steps will be taken in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, and the government will follow the constitutional process.

He claimed that approximately $234 billion was laundered abroad from Bangladesh in the last 16 years, which is equivalent to two to three national budgets. He also raised allegations of embezzlement, citing Tk 280 crore allocated for the construction of just under 4 kilometres of road in Khulna and a Tk 3,500 crore project of LGED in Pirojpur where development was shown on paper.

The Law Minister also said steps have been taken to send cases related to the July uprising to fast-track tribunals for speedy disposal. He also said the tendency to file false cases has decreased compared to before.

Addressing the new lawyers, he said success in the legal profession requires regular study, skills, professional integrity and a commitment to establishing justice. He also called for taking an uncompromising stance against corruption, even if it involves someone from one's own political party.

Approximately 1,054 new lawyers participated in the workshop organised by the Chattogram District Lawyers' Association. The programme emphasised professional ethics, responsibility and preserving social dignity for lawyers.