While the country’s economy is struggling hard to turn the corner, we are getting new information about financial frauds, including money laundering, committed during the fascist regime. As we already know, vested quarters have taken the highest advantage of their affiliation with the fascist regime and done mala fide abuse of power to sway things in their favour. That is why, it has been possible to launder a huge amount of money during the AL-led regime. An estimated $12-15 billion was laundered abroad each year over the last 15 years. Owing to unchecked money laundering practices, many people resorted to such illicit practice.

One such example has recently come to the fore. According to a piece of news published in a Bangla daily, a report by a state intelligence agency has recently revealed information about fraud and money laundering by the Meghna Group. Meghna Group of Industries (MGI) is one of the largest industrial groups in the country. This group also has a private economic zone. But the owners of this industrial group have been accused of laundering a huge amount of foreign currency worth around one lakh crore taka.

This is really surprising as business groups are supposed to work for the betterment of the country’s economy and people’s welfare. Antithetical to this, this business group has flouted rules and regulations to siphon off millions out of the country. What is more shocking is that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is showing dilly-dallying attitude in taking proper action in this regard despite having reports submitted by different intelligence agencies. It seems like all the wrongdoings of this conglomerate are excusable and the perpetrators are above the laws.  

In view of this, the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation has recently sent another separate letter to the NBR, asking it to take action against the Meghna Group under the Money Laundering Act if the allegations against them are proven.

This kind of manipulation by a particular business group sends a wrong message to others and discourages law-abiding conglomerates. It is beyond our comprehension that how such a reputed industrial group stooped so low. How they actually managed to manipulate regulations must be investigated with due diligence. If found guilty, proper punishment must be meted out to set an example.