Govt’s indifference to probe MP’s involvement in human trafficking, money laundering shameful: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Tuesday said the involvement of an MP in international crimes like human trafficking and money laundering is a disrespectful example for the people’s representatives, reports news agency UNB.

It also urged the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Jatiya Sangsad to take legal steps after investigation for the sake of the parliament members, said a TIB press release.

There is no report published in media of both Kuwait and Bangladesh that the Bangladesh government, parliament, ACC, Financial Intelligence Unity, revenue authorities and concerned law enforcement agencies have taken the allegation against the MP with importance, TIB said.

Following the report published in Kuwait media on the allegation of human trafficking issue, the Bangladesh ambassador to Kuwait termed it false in a written statement that was published in the media, said TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman.

Referring to different media reports of Kuwait and Bangladesh against Mohammad Shahid Islam, MP of Lakshmipur-2 constituency (independent), arrested on charge of alleged involvement in human trafficking, Iftekharuzzaman said neither the parliament nor the Anti-Corruption Commission has taken any initiative against the MP.

“The images of the country as well as the future of the expatriates are at stake through such indifference shown by the government, which is shameful and a matter of concern,” he said.

TIB also called the incident a sad example of criminalisation of politics in Bangladesh.

On 7 June, Bangladesh ambassador to Kuwait SM Abul Kalam told news agency UNB that he heard the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Kuwait "detained" Shahid Islam on 6 June. However, the reason behind his detention is yet to be known.

The issues of money laundering and human trafficking are surfacing amid his detention.

The foreign minister, however, said the lawmaker will be freed if he is not found guilty for anything.

Meanwhile, Salina Islam, MP, wife of Shahid Islam, claimed the news on her husband's detention is wrong.