“The Finance Minister admitted that defaulters have depleted the banks by taking Tk 11,120 crore as loan. I would like to ask the government why it is not taking legal steps against those who looted our banks like sharks. I call upon the Prime Minister to catch these looters and loan defaulters,” he said.

He made the call while speaking at a human-chain programme arranged by Nagorik Odhikar Andolon Forum in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

Farroque, an adviser to BNP chairperson and former opposition chief whip, also called upon Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take action against the ruling party stalwarts involved in corruption.

He alleged that Awami League leaders are carrying out a ‘false campaign’ involving BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman with casino business only to misguide people.

The BNP leader also accused the government of keeping Khaleda Zia in jail in ‘false’ cases just to cling to power. “The cases she was convicted are bailable, but she’s not being granted bail.”

He said the programme like human chain is not enough to mount pressure on the government to free Khaleda Zia. “We must take to the streets and wage a strong movement to have Khaleda Zia freed.”

Meanwhile, BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged that the government’s recent drive against wrongdoers has lost its pace due to the influence of the ‘big’ corrupt.

“The government launched the so-called drive against casinos, gambling and drug abuse on September 18 to create an illusion among people, and caught 6-7 people. As the cats are now coming out of the bag, the drive has become slow.”

He said the government should promptly identify the corrupt elements in Awami League if it is honest about eliminating corruption. “Arrest the kingpins of corruption, not only the small fry, if you want to fight against graft.”