Different countries provide such opportunities: Obaidul Quader

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader has said like many other countries the government is allowing to bring back laundered money in a bid to get benefit from it.

He said this in a reaction to the proposed budget for fiscal year 2022-23 at the Awami League central office at Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Saturday afternoon.

On behalf of Awami League, Obaidul Quader presented the budget reaction to the media.

When asked whether the money launders would be encouraged for getting scope to legalise their laundered money by paying a tax of 7 per cent, the Awami League general secretary said, “See, this should not be viewed in this way. Huge money of the country has been laundered. This scope is given in different countries.”

“We are giving that scope. Why should we continue this scope if this does not yield any good results? We have given this opportunity in the budget this time with a view to getting a positive result.”

Taking the pressure on the global economy into consideration following the post-Covid situation and the Russia-Ukraine war, Obaidul Quader, said the proposed budget is completely realistic.

This is a budget of turning around of Bangladesh into an independent country led by visionary leader of Sheikh Hasina, he said adding this is the largest budget in the crisis moment.

The Awami League leader said this huge budget is the symbol of the capacity of Bangladesh economy.

The reserve is falling gradually but the foreign trips of officials are yet to stop. This is also seen when someone is going abroad and returning on the day of his or her retirement. Officials above deputy secretaries are given Tk 3-4 million to purchase care interest-free and Tk 50,000 is given every month for maintenance. Despite this, it is also seen that officials are still using office vehicles. Nothing has been said in the budget in this regard to prevent waste of public money.

In replying to this question, Obaisul Quader asked, “Why this should mentioned in the budget?” He also said the prime minister has meanwhile said the unnecessary foreign trips of officials are halted.