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Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission Ghulam Rahman has urged the media to identify the multi-level marketing (MLM) companies that are cheating people out of their millions.
"Please publish reports in the media against the MLM companies that are deceiving the people exploiting their belief. We'll take steps against all of them," he said while talking to journalists at his office on Wednesday.
Regarding Destiny-2000 Limited, an MLM company, he said a large number of people are involved with it but a few cunning people are looting the assets of the people.
"Some people are looting and laundering money in the name of MLM to rob general people and it should be prevented."
The anti-graft body on Wednesday quizzed three more officials about the reported fraudulence and irregularities by Destiny and its 37 associate organisations.
They are its directors Sajjad Hossain, Mezbah Uddin Swapan and Irfan Ahmed Sani.
Earlier on Apr 4, the ACC started the investigation into the irregularities of Destiny.
Several newspapers recently published reports on the company's alleged involvement in several irregularities, including illegal banking and collecting money from people through cheating.
On May 14, a Dhaka court issued a warrant of arrest for Destiny-2000 Chairman, Boishakhi Media Limited Managing Director and two other officials after businessman MNH Bulu, a shareholder of Boishakhi Media, filed a case against them.
On Apr 1, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry decided to request the Finance Minister and the Bangladesh Bank Governor for action against Destiny-2000 and such other MLM companies.
A Bangladesh Bank inquiry recently found proof of illegal banking by Destiny Multipurpose Co-operative Society, a sister concern of Destiny-2000.
The National Board of Revenue froze five bank accounts, including that of Destiny Chairman Mohammad Rafiqul Amin, on Apr 25.
"Please publish reports in the media against the MLM companies that are deceiving the people exploiting their belief. We'll take steps against all of them," he said while talking to journalists at his office on Wednesday.
Regarding Destiny-2000 Limited, an MLM company, he said a large number of people are involved with it but a few cunning people are looting the assets of the people.
"Some people are looting and laundering money in the name of MLM to rob general people and it should be prevented."
The anti-graft body on Wednesday quizzed three more officials about the reported fraudulence and irregularities by Destiny and its 37 associate organisations.
They are its directors Sajjad Hossain, Mezbah Uddin Swapan and Irfan Ahmed Sani.
Earlier on Apr 4, the ACC started the investigation into the irregularities of Destiny.
Several newspapers recently published reports on the company's alleged involvement in several irregularities, including illegal banking and collecting money from people through cheating.
On May 14, a Dhaka court issued a warrant of arrest for Destiny-2000 Chairman, Boishakhi Media Limited Managing Director and two other officials after businessman MNH Bulu, a shareholder of Boishakhi Media, filed a case against them.
On Apr 1, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry decided to request the Finance Minister and the Bangladesh Bank Governor for action against Destiny-2000 and such other MLM companies.
A Bangladesh Bank inquiry recently found proof of illegal banking by Destiny Multipurpose Co-operative Society, a sister concern of Destiny-2000.
The National Board of Revenue froze five bank accounts, including that of Destiny Chairman Mohammad Rafiqul Amin, on Apr 25.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has questioned the necessity of forming a probe commission to look into Grameen Bank's activities since its birth.
In a statement, Yunus on Wednesday said he was afraid that the bank's future would be at stake if the government exerted more influence on the bank.
"I believe without doubt that Grameen Bank's future will be endangered if the government reinforces its role in the bank affairs by changing its legal structure," he said in the statement.
"Has Grameen Bank done any major misdeed that needed (the government) to initiate this probe?" he asked. "I am saddened at hearing the news."
The government on May 16 formed the commission to review the ownership of Grameen Bank and 54 related social businesses that Yunus still heads, 14 months after Yunus was removed as its Managing Director.
The Bank and Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance in a circular announced the institution of the panel under 'The Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956' .
The committee will look into changing the structure of the profitable network of ventures that include Grameen Bank's stakes in Bangladesh's biggest mobile-phone company Grameenphone and recommend ways to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability of the microcredit NGO and how to bring it within the reach of state regulatory agencies.
The commission will identify the institutional strengths, weaknesses and constraints in the Grameen Bank's operation and review the purposes, legal status and operations of the institutions, companies and enterprises established by it.
The commission will also comment on the microcredit NGO's ownership and composition of its Board of Directors specifying qualifications for such membership. It will report to the government in three months.
Yunus added: "I am now enormously worried about the possibility of Grameen Bank being put under government control. I fear even to anticipate the course that Grameen Bank will take if it is made a government institution."
In a statement, Yunus on Wednesday said he was afraid that the bank's future would be at stake if the government exerted more influence on the bank.
"I believe without doubt that Grameen Bank's future will be endangered if the government reinforces its role in the bank affairs by changing its legal structure," he said in the statement.
"Has Grameen Bank done any major misdeed that needed (the government) to initiate this probe?" he asked. "I am saddened at hearing the news."
The government on May 16 formed the commission to review the ownership of Grameen Bank and 54 related social businesses that Yunus still heads, 14 months after Yunus was removed as its Managing Director.
The Bank and Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance in a circular announced the institution of the panel under 'The Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956' .
The committee will look into changing the structure of the profitable network of ventures that include Grameen Bank's stakes in Bangladesh's biggest mobile-phone company Grameenphone and recommend ways to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability of the microcredit NGO and how to bring it within the reach of state regulatory agencies.
The commission will identify the institutional strengths, weaknesses and constraints in the Grameen Bank's operation and review the purposes, legal status and operations of the institutions, companies and enterprises established by it.
The commission will also comment on the microcredit NGO's ownership and composition of its Board of Directors specifying qualifications for such membership. It will report to the government in three months.
Yunus added: "I am now enormously worried about the possibility of Grameen Bank being put under government control. I fear even to anticipate the course that Grameen Bank will take if it is made a government institution."
In the wake of several incidents of police attack on journalists, senior BNP leader Moudud Ahmed said on Wednesday the government lost control over the law enforcers.
"The State Minister for Home has asked journalists to stay away from police. Such remarks after the brutal behaviour of police prove that the government has no control over them," said Moudud, a BNP Standing Committee Member. "They (government) have failed to run the country."
State Minister for Home Shamsul Hoque Tuku on Tuesday suggested journalists to keep safe distance from police when they are on duty to avoid any tussle with them.
"Many untoward incidents can be avoided if newsmen keep themselves away from police when they are on duty in a chaotic place," he said.
Moudud reacted over the remarks while placing wreaths on BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to mark his 31st death anniversary.
The BNP and its associate organisations, led by Chairperson Khaleda Zia, placed wreaths on the grave in the morning.
Moudud said Awami League did not believe in democracy.
"It was Ziaur Rahman who returned the country to the path of democracy from one-party rule in 1975," he said.
"Our leader Khaleda Zia gave democracy an institutional shape through the 12th Amendment of the Constitution. But the government has violated the people's right to vote by annulling the caretaker government system through the 15th Amendment," he added.
Moudud also reminded that Khaleda would announce fresh agitations from a rally in Dhaka on June 11 if the demand for restoring an election time caretaker government is not met by the June 10 deadline.
Asked what type of demonstration could be announced, Moudud said, "The programmes are yet to be finalised. It will be decided on June 9 or 10."
"The State Minister for Home has asked journalists to stay away from police. Such remarks after the brutal behaviour of police prove that the government has no control over them," said Moudud, a BNP Standing Committee Member. "They (government) have failed to run the country."
State Minister for Home Shamsul Hoque Tuku on Tuesday suggested journalists to keep safe distance from police when they are on duty to avoid any tussle with them.
"Many untoward incidents can be avoided if newsmen keep themselves away from police when they are on duty in a chaotic place," he said.
Moudud reacted over the remarks while placing wreaths on BNP founder Ziaur Rahman's grave at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar to mark his 31st death anniversary.
The BNP and its associate organisations, led by Chairperson Khaleda Zia, placed wreaths on the grave in the morning.
Moudud said Awami League did not believe in democracy.
"It was Ziaur Rahman who returned the country to the path of democracy from one-party rule in 1975," he said.
"Our leader Khaleda Zia gave democracy an institutional shape through the 12th Amendment of the Constitution. But the government has violated the people's right to vote by annulling the caretaker government system through the 15th Amendment," he added.
Moudud also reminded that Khaleda would announce fresh agitations from a rally in Dhaka on June 11 if the demand for restoring an election time caretaker government is not met by the June 10 deadline.
Asked what type of demonstration could be announced, Moudud said, "The programmes are yet to be finalised. It will be decided on June 9 or 10."
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1 has reprimanded the Daily Sangram's reporter covering the tribunal for publishing report having 'false' and 'misleading' information about a witness.
Day's proceedings of the first International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday began with the head of the three-strong tribunal, Justice Nizamul Huq, feeling 'sorry' over twisted facts in the news report.
The tribunal expressed disappointment over the news report after prosecution counsel Zead-Al Malum brought it to its attention.
On May 29, the Daily Sangram carried a news report titled "Witness Sheeru Bengali himself stands accused in cases of forgery, fraud and misappropriation."
"What does the headline mean? What do you want to convey by this sentence?" asked Justice Huq as he talked to Shahidul Islam, reporter of the Daily Sangram, a Jamaat-e-Islami mouthpiece.
Shahidul stood speechless as the justice continued reading parts of the report after the headline.
"The witness No. 3 is a fake freedom fighter," Justice Huq read out from the report as he termed the statement 'a dangerous statement to make'."
He wondered from where the reporter had received the information when neither the defence nor the prosecution had to say anything like this.
"Does a newspaper have the authority to deliver such a verdict?" Justice Huq asked. He also ordered the reporter of the newspaper to publish a corrigendum on the 'facts' given in the report.
Sirajul Islam alias Sheeru Bengali, is the third witness in the case filed against BNP lawmaker Salauddin Quader Chowhdury, who is facing charges on 23 counts of the crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War.
During the defence's cross-examination on May 28, Sheeru Bengali had said that he did not have a freedom fighter's certificate.
"Having no certificate does not mean a fake freedom fighter," said Justice Huq, who also urged cooperation from the media in holding a smooth trial.
Until the lunch recess, Mizanul Islam, defence counsel of Delwar Hossain Sayedee, continued with cross-examination of the investigation officer in the case for the 14th straight day on Wednesday.
The cross-examination will resume on Thursday at the tribunal formed to try genocide and other crimes against humanity during the Liberation War.
On Apr 26, in its first conviction for contempt of court, the tribunal sentenced the Daily Sangram editor-publisher and its Feni correspondent to a token prison term and fined them Tk 5,000 each.
The conviction followed publication of a report on Apr 2 in the newspaper covering an event in which certain lawyers of Feni Bar Association had stated that the tribunal was partisan.
Day's proceedings of the first International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday began with the head of the three-strong tribunal, Justice Nizamul Huq, feeling 'sorry' over twisted facts in the news report.
The tribunal expressed disappointment over the news report after prosecution counsel Zead-Al Malum brought it to its attention.
On May 29, the Daily Sangram carried a news report titled "Witness Sheeru Bengali himself stands accused in cases of forgery, fraud and misappropriation."
"What does the headline mean? What do you want to convey by this sentence?" asked Justice Huq as he talked to Shahidul Islam, reporter of the Daily Sangram, a Jamaat-e-Islami mouthpiece.
Shahidul stood speechless as the justice continued reading parts of the report after the headline.
"The witness No. 3 is a fake freedom fighter," Justice Huq read out from the report as he termed the statement 'a dangerous statement to make'."
He wondered from where the reporter had received the information when neither the defence nor the prosecution had to say anything like this.
"Does a newspaper have the authority to deliver such a verdict?" Justice Huq asked. He also ordered the reporter of the newspaper to publish a corrigendum on the 'facts' given in the report.
Sirajul Islam alias Sheeru Bengali, is the third witness in the case filed against BNP lawmaker Salauddin Quader Chowhdury, who is facing charges on 23 counts of the crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 Liberation War.
During the defence's cross-examination on May 28, Sheeru Bengali had said that he did not have a freedom fighter's certificate.
"Having no certificate does not mean a fake freedom fighter," said Justice Huq, who also urged cooperation from the media in holding a smooth trial.
Until the lunch recess, Mizanul Islam, defence counsel of Delwar Hossain Sayedee, continued with cross-examination of the investigation officer in the case for the 14th straight day on Wednesday.
The cross-examination will resume on Thursday at the tribunal formed to try genocide and other crimes against humanity during the Liberation War.
On Apr 26, in its first conviction for contempt of court, the tribunal sentenced the Daily Sangram editor-publisher and its Feni correspondent to a token prison term and fined them Tk 5,000 each.
The conviction followed publication of a report on Apr 2 in the newspaper covering an event in which certain lawyers of Feni Bar Association had stated that the tribunal was partisan.
The Home Minister on Wednesday sprung to the defence of the under-fire police force, claiming its behaviour is 'far better' now than before.
Shahara Khatun said reforms were underway to make the force 'pro-people'.
She made the comment only a day after police were accused of sexually assaulted a young woman and beating journalists at the Judges' Court premises in Dhaka.
"There are 141,000 police personnel in the country. I would not say all are good (well behaved). But we are working to make them pro-people," Sahara said.
She gestured to her right leg and said, "Police are now far better than before. My right leg is broken. Such incident also took place [in police action in the past]."
The government will take measures if there was any 'wrongdoings' in the police force, Shahara said.
"I was a political activist on the streets and have been pursuing politics since the Pakistani regime. We took action in the last three and a half years whenever there were wrongdoings in the police. Action will also be taken in future."
She dodged a 'yes' or 'no' answer to a question as to whether the media was the rival of police and government.
"People rush to police in incidents of burglary and robbery, but police don't torture them then."
She further claimed that the government took immediate measures in the incidents of police negligence and inaction.
Responding to a media query about the repression on the journalists by police on the court premises in old Dhaka, Shahara said the government took action soon after the incident. "Investigation is underway and measures will be taken [against those found responsible]."
Police on Tuesday withdrew two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) over allegations of sexually harassing a woman at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court premises.
After a heated verbal exchange, the policemen dragged the young woman to the 'Police Club' on the court premises and sexually assaulted her, according to the lawyers who witnessed the incident.
As the Court Correspondents rushed there on information to have statement from police, they attacked three journalists and two lawyers.
Amid severe criticism, police withdrew ASIs ANuruzzaman Sarker and Amir Afzal Biplob in the evening. Police also formed a panel to investigate the incident.
Last week, police beat up three photojournalists of the daily Prothom Alo, snatched their cameras and cell phones and swore at them while they were taking photos of demonstrations by polytechnic students in Agargaon.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police after primary investigations closed Shahidul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Tejgaon zone, and suspended nine policemen.
State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku at a discussion on Tuesday advised journalists to keep a "safe distance" from police while gathering news.
"Journalist can avoid such unwanted incidents if they collect news or take photos by keeping a safe distance from police," he advised.
Home Minister Shahara Khatun on Wednesday claimed that the media twisted the remarks of her deputy.
Earlier, Shahara attended an inter-ministerial meeting on reduction of extortion in the transport sector.
Shahara Khatun said reforms were underway to make the force 'pro-people'.
She made the comment only a day after police were accused of sexually assaulted a young woman and beating journalists at the Judges' Court premises in Dhaka.
"There are 141,000 police personnel in the country. I would not say all are good (well behaved). But we are working to make them pro-people," Sahara said.
She gestured to her right leg and said, "Police are now far better than before. My right leg is broken. Such incident also took place [in police action in the past]."
The government will take measures if there was any 'wrongdoings' in the police force, Shahara said.
"I was a political activist on the streets and have been pursuing politics since the Pakistani regime. We took action in the last three and a half years whenever there were wrongdoings in the police. Action will also be taken in future."
She dodged a 'yes' or 'no' answer to a question as to whether the media was the rival of police and government.
"People rush to police in incidents of burglary and robbery, but police don't torture them then."
She further claimed that the government took immediate measures in the incidents of police negligence and inaction.
Responding to a media query about the repression on the journalists by police on the court premises in old Dhaka, Shahara said the government took action soon after the incident. "Investigation is underway and measures will be taken [against those found responsible]."
Police on Tuesday withdrew two Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) over allegations of sexually harassing a woman at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court premises.
After a heated verbal exchange, the policemen dragged the young woman to the 'Police Club' on the court premises and sexually assaulted her, according to the lawyers who witnessed the incident.
As the Court Correspondents rushed there on information to have statement from police, they attacked three journalists and two lawyers.
Amid severe criticism, police withdrew ASIs ANuruzzaman Sarker and Amir Afzal Biplob in the evening. Police also formed a panel to investigate the incident.
Last week, police beat up three photojournalists of the daily Prothom Alo, snatched their cameras and cell phones and swore at them while they were taking photos of demonstrations by polytechnic students in Agargaon.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police after primary investigations closed Shahidul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Tejgaon zone, and suspended nine policemen.
State Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku at a discussion on Tuesday advised journalists to keep a "safe distance" from police while gathering news.
"Journalist can avoid such unwanted incidents if they collect news or take photos by keeping a safe distance from police," he advised.
Home Minister Shahara Khatun on Wednesday claimed that the media twisted the remarks of her deputy.
Earlier, Shahara attended an inter-ministerial meeting on reduction of extortion in the transport sector.
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