Bangladesh Launches $5 Billion Corruption Probe Involving Sheikh Hasina’s Family
Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission has initiated an investigation into allegations that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family embezzled approximately $5 billion connected to the financing of the Rooppur nuclear power plant. This probe comes as political tensions escalate following Hasina’s ousting in August and subsequent exile to India.
Included in the inquiry are Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and her niece, Tulip Siddiq, a British MP and government minister. The allegations surfaced following a court writ filed by political rival Bobby Hajjaj, chairman of the Nationalist Democratic Movement party, who seeks judicial action regarding the alleged corruption.
The Rooppur plant, Bangladesh’s first nuclear facility, is primarily funded by Russia, with a 90% loan covering its $12.65 billion budget. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s statement revealed suspicions of embezzlement via various offshore accounts in Malaysia and highlighted concerns over questionable procurement practices, including overpriced construction costs. It noted potential kickbacks, mismanagement, money laundering, and abuse of power, raising alarms over the project’s integrity and state fund utilization.
In addition to the nuclear plant allegations, the commission is exploring claims of theft related to a government housing scheme for the homeless. Sheikh Hasina, now 77, has evaded inquiries since her flight from Bangladesh, which has incited public outrage among those demanding accountability for her alleged crimes, including "mass murder".
While Siddiq has denied any wrongdoing, her statements were supported by the British Prime Minister’s office. Joy, residing in the United States, was also unavailable for comments. The investigation marks a significant moment in Bangladesh’s ongoing political landscape and raises questions about corruption at high levels of government.
Source
Photo credit www.hindustantimes.com
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/ZAOYYL22URC5BPTVYHWVTAVHPQ.jpg "Researchers and students discuss ancient beavers, sea floor bumps, and winter air for better understanding.")
