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Law Minister Asaduzzaman said on Sunday that the government is reviewing different corruption allegations against former President Mohammed Sahabuddin, including those related to his tenure as chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and director of Islami Bank.
He said necessary legal action would be taken after completing investigations into the allegations in response to public demands.
The law minister made the remarks while replying to journalists after attending a reception and training workshop for newly enrolled lawyers organised by the Chittagong District Bar Association.
“We do not want anyone to suffer unfairly. However, the allegations against the former president are being properly examined. A decision will be taken according to the law after the investigation,” he said.
On the election of a new president, Asaduzzaman said the government would proceed according to constitutional provisions and urged people to have confidence in the process.
Referring to corruption during the previous government’s tenure, the minister alleged that $234 billion was siphoned out of Bangladesh over the past 16 years, an amount equivalent to two to three national budgets.
He also alleged irregularities in development projects, including a road construction project in Khulna where Tk280 crore was allocated for a 3.75-kilometre road, and an LGED project in Pirojpur where Tk3,500 crore was allegedly misappropriated through paper-based projects.
On cases related to the July uprising, the law minister said those would be transferred to speedy trial tribunals and that the government had taken steps for their quick disposal. He also claimed that the number of false cases had significantly decreased.
Addressing the newly enrolled lawyers, Asaduzzaman said there was no shortcut to becoming a successful lawyer and urged them to continuously improve their skills through learning.
He called on lawyers to prioritise serving people, ensuring justice and maintaining professional integrity rather than pursuing money.
He also urged them to stand against corruption even if members of their own political party were involved.
Around 1,054 newly enrolled lawyers attended the workshop, where speakers highlighted the importance of professional ethics, social dignity and responsibilities of legal practitioners.
