Financial crimes go unprosecuted due to current judicial system: KAS Murshid 

Economist Dr KAS Murshid today said the focus should be on eliminating financial crimes, as these crimes have led us to the current situation.

"Financial crimes are identified but not prosecuted," he said during the concluding ceremony of a two-day conference organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue.

KAS Murshid, chairman of the task force on "Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilising Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development," added that the existing judicial system allows financial crimes to go unaddressed. Whenever a serious case comes before a judge, obtaining a stay order is not particularly difficult.

He also shared a personal experience at Nagad, where such a stay order was issued.

At the event, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, chair of the Anti-Corruption Commission and executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said, "I do not have the courage to say that political manipulation, land grabbing, and extortion have decreased since the 5th of this month. You all know who is responsible for these activities. I do not wish to comment on this matter. Only the individuals and banners have changed, but the practices remain the same."

He further mentioned that the ACC regularly receives phone calls asking what should or should not be done. While the top leadership of the ACC is trying to document these issues, there is uncertainty about how long this effort can continue.

"Salman F Rahman is being replaced by another set of individuals, but the system remains unchanged."

Prof Rehman Sobhan, chairman of CPD, noted that the current task force is better positioned than before as it is demand-driven. 

However, he expressed skepticism about the interim government's ability to implement many of its recommendations.

"There are strong proposals, but can this government initiate any of them? Can they operationalise anything before handing over to an elected government?" he questioned.

He emphasised that most reforms will fall beyond the interim government's capacity, requiring continuation by an elected government. 

"The reality of an elected government is vastly different from that of an interim one, and this must be considered," he added.