Highest corruption took place during interim government: Home Minister in parliament

The highest level of corruption took place during the interim government, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said in parliament, citing media reports during the budget session on Sunday, June 28.

"I am calling on the prime minister to instruct the ACC to investigate the rampant corruption during the interim government," the home minister said.

He referred to a recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) which stated that the highest level of corruption occurred during the interim government.

"We had to hold elections after this period of instability. Yes, that is why we signed the July Charter in the national interest," he said.

The home minister also noted that TIB's recent report mentioned high corruption during the current government as well. He emphasised the need for an investigation to determine where, how and who was involved in corruption during those 18 months of instability. He made it clear that the current government is founded on transparency, and any allegation should be impartially investigated.

The home minister also presented a comparative picture of the country's past and present economic situation. Citing the white paper report led by Debapriya Bhattacharya, he said that between 2009 and 2024, a looters' economy and crony capitalism developed due to the lack of democratic accountability. During that period, an average of $16 billion was laundered annually, totalling approximately Tk 29-30 lakh crore over 15 years. Loan scams in the banking sector, politically motivated bank takeovers and cost escalations of up to 70 per cent in mega projects were also highlighted.