Govt reviewing corruption allegations against ex-president Shahabuddin: Minister

The BNP government is scrutinising the corruption allegations against the previous president Mohammed Shahabuddin on a priority basis to serve people's aspirations, said Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Md Asaduzzaman on Sunday.

However, the government also has to ensure that while it meets public demand an innocent person is not getting punished, the minister added.

During the process, the people has to keep faith in the government head and other cabinet members, Asaduzzaman told reporters while speaking after an event in Chattogram.

The inauguration event marked the start of a five-day introductory workshop for new members of the Chittagong District Bar Association.

The corruption allegations relate to Shahabuddin’s tenure as a commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and as director of the Islami Bank.

If the allegations are found true in an investigation, legal measures will be taken, the minister said. The government is reviewing the matter and will announce its decision at the right time, he said.

Reporters then asked the law minister about a potential travel ban on Shahabuddin, who is also a member of the now banned Awami League, that prevents him from going abroad for advanced medical treatment.

Asaduzzaman referred the query to the Home Ministry.

“These are confidential issues, and will be disclosed only at the right time keeping in mind national interests,” the law minister noted.