It is a time-befitting action, which is pertinent for the unhindered flow of ongoing development projects, taken by the present government against the corrupt and anti-social Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has spelled out in clear language the objective of the ongoing crackdown on corrupt elements, emphasizing that no one is above the law, not even any member of her party (Awami League) or family. Her bold words have already strengthened the process and countrymen have wholeheartedly supported her stand.
On Wednesday, PM has given the message to the countrymen that the drive against militancy, terrorism, drug proliferation and corruption will continue as usual. The ouster of two top BCL leaders about a month back and recent arrest of some Jubo League and Shecchashebok League leaders involved in illegal casino business and illegal transfer of money through Hundi is testament to her strong will in this matter.
The people of the country are witness to the way law enforcing agency members are conducting raids on the dens of the criminals and taking them to the police stations for interrogation. Already those arrested are giving details regarding who have given them shelter in Awami League and its affiliated organizations like Chhatra League, Jubo League, Shecchashebok League etc.
This may be mentioned that those arrested so far have confessed that once they were active members of Freedom Party, Jubo Dal and BNP and paid some senior politicians big amount of money to be member of Jubo League. We understand that this important matter is already under investigation. The names of some powerful leaders of Awami League who were protectors of the criminals and beneficiaries of their illegal earnings are already doing their rounds. This has found some credibility when she said that none even in her family will remain unchallenged.
It is believed that the PM has a list of corrupt people belonging not only to her own party but to other political parties as well and different branches of administration including the police. In fact, Police Headquarters recently announced a 14-point instruction to prevent corruption among police personnel. The instructions came following news of several members of the police force being involved in the illegal casino business and bribery.
It is true that general public has lost faith in law enforcers, especially the police force due to several instances of police abusing their power and accepting bribes. On the question of how as many as 60 casinos were in operation in the capital city alone under the very nose of the police administration has brought the issue of corruption in police department to the forefront.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said many times before and she has said it again on Wednesday that she had nothing to lose in life and she will continue to work for the people of the country. She has also said that no one will be spared for destroying the achievements of the government through engaging in blatant looting of national wealth. Regarding looters of money from various ongoing projects she has also sent clear warning terming them ‘termites’. Political analysts believe that if the drive against corruption goes on without fear or favour, her image in the country as well as abroad will increase manifold.