National Citizen Party (NCP) lawmaker Md Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, on Thursday questioned the progress of corruption cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) against Bashundhara Group during the tenure of the interim government and sought clarification on whether any understanding was reached between the government and the conglomerate.
Taking part in the discussion on the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 in Parliament, Hasnat alleged that those who speak out against Bashundhara Group are targeted through media campaigns.
Referring to the White Paper on the country's economy published during the interim administration, he said it had indicated that Tk 28 lakh crore had been siphoned abroad.
“Those responsible for the money laundering are now moving around the country with confidence and influence,” the NCP lawmaker said.
He claimed that during the interim government period, certain individuals associated with Bashundhara Group had been reluctant to return to Bangladesh, but are now openly present in the country following the election of the current government.
Demanding legal action against the business conglomerate, Hasnat said Parliament and the public deserve to know the current status of the ACC cases.
“We want to know what progress has been made in those cases. We also want to know whether any under-the-table understanding has taken place. If there has been no settlement, then the government should explain to the people of Bangladesh what is preventing legal action,” he said.
The MP further questioned what he described as the sources of influence behind Bashundhara Group, alleging involvement in money laundering, unlawful acquisition of assets and support for what he termed the Awami League’s repression through media narratives.
He also alleged that some members of the ruling party had links with Bashundhara Group as advisers and consultants. He claimed that individuals associated with media outlets that had portrayed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman negatively in the past were now connected to the conglomerate.
Hasnat urged the BNP-led government to take action against loan defaulters, bank grabbers and those who had legitimised enforced disappearances and killings.
Praising Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for not pursuing a politics of revenge, he said refraining from retaliation should not come at the expense of justice. “We want to hear from the Prime Minister and his party that justice will be ensured for cases of enforced disappearance and killing, and that the rule of law will prevail,” he said.
The NCP lawmaker also expressed concern over freedom of expression, alleging that journalists and politicians fear repercussions for criticising ministers or government policies.
Later in the day, he delivered a personal explanation in Parliament in response to remarks made by BNP lawmaker Akhtaruzzaman, who had alleged that some individuals had betrayed the ideals of the July uprising and amassed wealth after benefiting from its legacy.
Saying the comments appeared to be directed at him and others, Hasnat strongly rejected the allegation and challenged authorities to investigate him. “The DGFI, NSI, police and military are under your control. I urge you not to make unsubstantiated allegations. If any investigation proves that I was involved in even one taka of corruption or any wrongdoing, I will resign from Parliament,” he said.