Road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader. — UNB file photo
Ruling Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said the ongoing drive against corruption and irregularities would be carried out across the country.
The minister said they would continue the drive against people involved in corruption and irregularities irrespective of their identities.
Till now, the drives were now being carried out in Dhaka and Chattogram and a few places elsewhere.
He said the ruling party began such drive from its own house and it the first of its kind in Bangladesh. ‘Better late than never,’ said Obaidul, also road transport and bridges minister, while talking to media at his office at the ministry.
On September 13, two top leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra League, student body of ruling Awami League, were removed from the posts of president and general secretary for their alleged involvement in extortion.
Later on September 18, law enforcement agencies started a drive against casinos at different clubs and bars in the capital following the allegations that the gambling centres were run by ruling party activists.
He said the drive was not targeted to any individual rather it was against the people involved in crimes, irregularities, extortion and drug business. ‘Everyday someone is being arrested and many are under surveillance,’ he said.
Replying a question why the drive was initiated 11 years after Awami League assumed office, the minister said they kept the wrongdoers under surveillance and took time.
‘It is not possible to take action without having clear evidence,’ Obaidul said and added that they would see it till its end.
He claimed that none would be spared if sufficient evidences were there.
About the alleged involvement of Juba League leader Ismail Chowdhury Samrat in operating casino, the politicians quoted home minister Asaduzzman Khan, ‘wait and see’.
About any list of people targeted in the drives, he said home ministry could provide information about such list.
The ministry also said they started to investigate the allegations of extortion in road transport sector.
About the increased price of onion after India decided not to export the herb, he said that there was a trend that prices of commodities increased on any excuse. The commerce ministry would look into the matter, he added.
Source: New Age.
