Despite criticism from economists of the provision of whitening black money, the ruling Awami League has strongly faovoured the provision saying that it is aimed at checking money laundering.
“The undisclosed money remains out of sight of the people. This measure has been taken to save the country from money laundering. Thanks to the move, money will come to the banking sector,” AL general secretary Obaidul Quader told reporters at the party’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital.
The AL organised the press briefing to brief the media people on the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said that they took measures to bring back the undisclosed money of the individuals with payment of 15 per cent tax.
“As a result, the flow of money will increase in the banking sector. The provision of whitening black money has been kept to recover the undisclosed money,” headed.
About the criticism from the economists, Quader said they do not bother about what CPD, TIB and Sujan said on the proposed budget.
“Those all are speaking in line with tune of the BNP. But, most of the economists have supported theproposed budget,” he said.
Hinting at the BNP, the AL spokesperson also said their (BNP) acting chairperson is leading a lavish life in London after laundering several thousand crore of taka. “The BNP must answer on that smuggled money,” he said.
Over BNP’s criticism on the proposed budget, Quader said they are now talking big.
“Their last budget only Tk 68,000 crore. Their finance minister had to go door to door for seeking support for the budget. But none of our finance ministers had to go to anyone for budget support. So, do you know what position the country has reached today?” he said.
Over the inflation, Quader said that they would be able to control the inflation through coordinated efforts.
In the proposed budget, top priority has been given to fundamental rights of the people, agriculture, local industries and social safety net programmes. It will increase the living standard of the people,” he said.
Responding to a question whether the AL would take measures against the party leaders and activists for corruption, he urged the media to provide a list of those corrupt people.
Please, provide a list of those whom you are thinking as corrupt one in Awami League. We will request the Anti-Corruption Commission to run investigation against them,” he said.
