Govt checking past corruption allegations against ex-president Shahabuddin: Law minister

The government is scrutinising allegations of past corruption against former president Mohammed Shahabuddin relating to his tenure as a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and as a director of Islami Bank Bangladesh, said Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today (26 July).

He said legal action would be taken after the allegations are investigated, taking public demands into consideration.

The law minister made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after attending an orientation programme for new lawyers at the Chattogram District Bar Association in the port city.

"The government does not want anyone to suffer unjustly. However, the allegations brought against the former president will be thoroughly examined before any final decision is made," he said.

Responding to a question about calls for Shahabuddin's arrest following his resignation, the minister said political parties may make such demands and that their legal basis would be examined accordingly.

Asked whether there were any restrictions on the former president travelling abroad for medical treatment after his resignation, Asaduzzaman said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"Information related to state security will be disclosed at the appropriate time," he added.

Speaking at the programme, the minister highlighted what he described as widespread corruption during the previous government's tenure, alleging that approximately $234 billion had been siphoned out of the country over the past 16 years – an amount equivalent to two to three national budgets.

He cited the allocation of Tk280 crore for the construction of a 3.75-kilometre road in Khulna and alleged that projects worth Tk3,500 crore under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Pirojpur existed only on paper due to the influence of an individual known as "Maharaj", resulting in large-scale embezzlement.

Addressing the 1,054 new lawyers, the minister urged them to uphold professional integrity, serve the public and continue learning throughout their careers.

"There is no shortcut to becoming a lawyer. One has to learn every day," he said.

He also called on lawyers not to pursue wealth at the expense of justice and urged them to speak out against corruption – even when those involved belong to their own political affiliation. "If someone from your own side is involved in corruption, lawyers should protest against it."