Don’t elect those who aided fugitives for money: ACC

Staff Reporter :

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen has urged voters not to support individuals who allegedly helped ousted leaders flee the country in exchange for large sums of money.

Speaking at a discussion at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Tuesday, held to mark International Anti-Corruption Day, Momen said that although people overwhelmingly oppose corruption, eliminating it remains a daunting task.

He warned that allowing extortionists and criminals to assume positions of authority after the upcoming election would undermine Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a developed nation.
“Do not vote for those who helped fugitives leave the country for money,” he reiterated.
Momen also highlighted the alarming trends in illicit financial flows, noting a reversal in past patterns.

“Previously, money used to come into Bangladesh from the Middle East and America.
Now the opposite is happening money is going out of Bangladesh to various countries, including the US, and then returning through different channels.

These transactions often involve various types of ‘incentives’. Such a deeply rooted system cannot be changed in a day, a month, or even a year,” he said.

He made strong allegations against politically influential groups, claiming that individuals involved in crimes over the past 15 years were sent abroad in exchange for crores of taka.

“You must consider whether you want to elect such people. This is the time to decide,” he said.
Momen added that while the public would “100 percent vote against corruption if given the chance,” the challenge of eradicating it persists.

“It will be impossible for Bangladesh to progress toward developed-country status if tyrants, extortionists and terrorists are allowed to rule after the next election,” he warned.
The ACC chairman urged citizens to reject anyone who helped fugitives escape in exchange for money, insisting such individuals must not be entrusted with public leadership.