Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee on Tuesday said seven to eight banks in Bangladesh are currently in a dysfunctional state due to looting and money laundering by the previous government.
The BNP joint secretary general made these remarks as the chief guest at a prayer meeting organised to mark the new administrator of Lakshmipur Zila Parishad assuming his responsibilities.
Annie, who is also the lawmaker for Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar) and the District BNP convener, highlighted the local impact of the banking crisis, noting that Tk15 crore belonging to the Lakshmipur Zila Parishad is currently stuck in Union Bank.
“It is a cruel irony of fate that even the assets we have are frozen. Whether we will eventually recover them remains a difficult question,” he said. He added that the government has taken charge during a challenging period and that sincerity and cooperation from all quarters are essential to overcome these hurdles.
Addressing the issue of “mega projects” undertaken over the last 17 years, the minister alleged that while some were necessary, many were not urgent and did not benefit the public or rural residents.
He further claimed that “mega corruption” occurred through inflated project costs, stating that Tk1,000 crore projects were often implemented at a cost of Tk10,000 crore.
Anee issued a stern warning against corruption in all sectors, including the Zila Parishad, Lakshmipur Municipality, police, civil administration, the Roads and Highways Department, and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).
He emphasised that the government would not take responsibility for any individual’s corruption and that the Prime Minister is extremely vigilant on the matter.
“If anyone is found involved in corruption – be they a departmental official or a political figure – action will be taken against them,” he asserted.
Anee reminded the audience that the current administration stands on a mandate achieved through long-term struggle and the sacrifices of martyrs in the July movement.
The event was presided over by Sahab Uddin Sabu, Zila Parishad administrator and district BNP member secretary.
Other speakers included Shahadat Hossain Selim, MP for Lakshmipur-1 (Ramganj); SUM Ruhul Amin Bhuiyan, district ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami; Hasibur Rahman, District BNP Joint Convener; Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy, vice president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF); Professor Noni Gopal Ghosh, former principal of Raipur Government College; Shankar Majumdar, district president of the Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council; Ashrafun Nahar, CEO of the Zila Parishad; and Saidul Islam Pavel, general secretary of the Lakshmipur Press Club.
