National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah on Thursday demanded that the government explain whether an “under-the-table” settlement had been reached in corruption cases filed against the Bashundhara Group.
Speaking during Parliament’s budget debate, he accused the conglomerate of continuing to enjoy political protection despite the corruption allegations against it.
Hasnat also said the public deserved to know why legal action against Bashundhara had apparently stalled if no informal compromise had been reached.
“During the interim government’s tenure, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed cases against Bashundhara. We want to know what progress has been made. We want to know whether any under-the-table settlement has taken place,” he said, adding that if there has been no settlement, the people of Bangladesh should be told what is preventing legal action.
The NCP MP alleged that media outlets were deployed against critics of Bashundhara and questioned what gave the conglomerate such influence despite allegations of money laundering and asset grabbing.
He also accused Bashundhara-owned media of legitimizing the Awami League’s “enforced disappearances, killings and murders.”
Referring to an economic white paper released during the interim administration, Hasnat said Tk 28 trillion had been laundered abroad and claimed those responsible now moved around the country without fear.
He also criticized the government’s handling of loan defaulters, bank borrowers accused of large-scale irregularities and individuals he described as “producers of narratives supporting fascism,” arguing that justice, not political restraint, should be the priority.
“Not being vindictive is not the same as ensuring justice,” Hasnat said, urging the government to uphold the rule of law and prosecute those responsible for financial crimes and past human rights abuses.
Beyond his political criticism, Hasnat attacked key elements of the proposed budget, questioning whether the government’s revenue targets were achievable given the capacity of the National Board of Revenue and asking how inflation would be reduced to the projected 7.5 percent.
He also urged the government to reduce corporate tax rates to attract foreign investment, saying the current proposals would discourage businesses from investing in Bangladesh.
Questioning the government’s employment record, Hasnat cited the ruling coalition’s pledge to create 10 million jobs in five years, arguing that around 600,000 jobs should have been generated over the past four months. “If those jobs have been created, where are they?” he asked.