Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, also Roads Transport and Bridges Minister, on Sunday said former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed has to return home if found guilty of corruption and the government will not compromise on the issue.
"The trial of Beanzir will continue even if he stays abroad. Will there be no trial if he is not here in Bangladesh? Was a tax evasion case not filed against Tarique Rahman as because he is staying abroad? Was the verdict not delivered? Trial of Benazir will also continue. He must have to come back if hes found guilty," Quader said at a press briefing held at the AL Presidents Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka.
In response to a journalists query, the AL General Secretary said it would not be appropriate to blame the government for the corruption committed by Benazir.
"Did any media write about Benazirs corruption before Kaler Kantha? No one dared to do that. Now, you are blaming the government. You can do that," said Quader.
He said it is important to look at whether the government provides impunity to anyone after allegation of corruption has been proved against the person.
Quader said the government does not interfere with the operations of the Anti-Corruption Commission and fully supports the investigation into the corruption allegations against Benazir.
Asked if it was a failure of the governments law enforcement or intelligence agencies for not finding out about Benazirs corruption, Quader said, "If there was any failure, they would also be brought to book. Every criminal will be tried. No leniency will be shown," he said.
Regarding the lack of measures to prevent his escape from the country, Quader said, "The ACC is here. They have been working on it. Everything including investigation, case and arrest would be under the procedures. Why the government will go to take steps bypassing the ACC? The government has anti-graft body. If they have any lackings, actions would also be taken against them."
Responding the remark of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the AL General Secretary said, "Who from the government went to see him off at the time of his departure? Which authority did it? Do not through stones in the dark."
"It cannot be said that there is no corruption in any country. But it is our Prime Minister who never got involved in corruption or sheltered corrupt persons. Nobody could raise such question or allegation against her at home or abroad. It is globally known that she is an honest Prime Minister," he said, adding, "Rather BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman is a convicted accused for corruption."
