Are Advisors of Yunus’ Government Engaged in Corruption?

Dhaka, Aug 9 (NationPress) A B M Abdus Sattar, the Private Secretary to Khaleda Zia, the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has leveled serious accusations against several advisors of the interim government, asserting that rampant corruption permeates the administration, alleging that no significant appointments or transfers occur without their involvement.

Sattar voiced these claims during a seminar entitled 'Expectations of the July Mass Uprising and Public Administration of the Future' organized by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association at the BIAM Auditorium in Dhaka, according to local media.

While not naming individuals, Sattar asserted he possesses evidence of extensive corruption tied to eight advisors within the interim government helmed by Muhammad Yunus. He stated, 'I am very disappointed. The character of the bureaucrats has either deteriorated or gone bad. However, I can substantiate the unlimited corruption of at least eight advisors who have benefitted from the aftermath of the July Movement. Intelligence agencies have proof of these corrupt activities, yet no action has been initiated against anyone,' as reported by Bangladesh’s leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo.

He questioned, 'Why has no action been taken against an advisor's Assistant Private Secretary found with Tk 200 crore in their account? Can Nurjahan Begum effectively manage a ministry such as Health? Is it appropriate to have inexperienced advisors oversee critical ministries like Local Government and Youth and Sports?' He expressed worries regarding the appointment of an inexperienced individual to a significant position within these ministries, noting that Chief Advisor Yunus is aware of the ongoing issues, yet no measures have been implemented.

Sattar further remarked that corruption has escalated under the Yunus-led interim government compared to prior administrations. Last month, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir commented on the lack of signs of effective governance or substantial reforms, indicating a disturbing rise in extortion cases nationwide.

'What used to be a one lakh Taka extortion demand from a businessman has now increased to five lakh Taka. There is no effective governance or control in place. The police situation remains unchanged,' reported the Bangladeshi newspaper Samakal citing the BNP leader.

The BNP previously collaborated with radical Islamist factions and student leaders alongside Yunus to dismantle the democratically-elected government of Awami League led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The abrupt removal of Hasina was perceived globally as a significant setback for democracy in the country. The interim government has also faced severe criticism for harboring radical and extremist Islamic groups.