The Hindu : International : Bangladesh politicians face charges

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 14, 2007
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Bangladesh politicians face charges

Haroon Habib

DHAKA: The offices of all political parties across Bangladesh are under lock and key after the military-backed caretaker Government imposed a total ban on political activities.

The strict implementation of emergency rules has thrown politicians virtually out of their jobs, at least for the foreseeable future.

"As political activities have been banned, I'll pass my time writing," said Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina. She had welcomed the caretaker Government after it cancelled the controversial parliamentary elections set for January 22 and took action against "corrupt leaders" of the immediate past government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). However, Ms Hasina is now in an unenviable situation with her own house having been searched at midnight and key party leaders and aides arrested on charges of crime and corruption.

Panic has gripped the rank and file of political parties after security forces arrested thousands of local level activists of the two parties and rounded up at least 40 key "corrupt politicians and businessmen".

Reports said Ms Hasina is likely to leave for the U.S. next week to visit her ailing daughter-in-law.

For the BNP, the situation is not only a big setback but also a personal tragedy for Khaleda Zia. Her eldest son, Tareq Rahman, has been arrested along with some of his close friends and comrades, for allegedly amassing huge wealth. Scores of mid-level leaders of the BNP, who are facing corruption charges, are on the run.

The Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) has allegedly found his secret bank accounts in at least five countries — Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa and India.

According to the new chief of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Lt. Gen. (Retired) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury, the revamped ACC has declared a jihad against corruption.

The caretaker Government has also formed a 16-member National Coordination Committee on Curbing Grave Offences.

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