Bangladeshi lawmaker Mohammad Shahid Islam alias Papul’s wife, Salina Islam, has claimed her husband is innocent and alleged that they are victims of a conspiracy propagated by their opponents.
Salina, who is an independent MP from women’s reserved seats, made the claims during the interrogation session of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday.
Papul’s sister-in-law, Jasmine Akter Pradhan, was also quizzed by the anti-graft body.
Salina said: “The allegations put forth against Papul are only to tarnish the image of the government. This is a complete conspiracy. My husband is innocent. He has fallen prey to this conspiracy.”
Later, while taking with the media, she said: “Our opponents have conspired against us. All this is being done to tarnish our image.”
Responding to questions over the allegations of money laundering and illegal acquisition of assets, she said: “We have given a written statement to the ACC on this issue.
“We do not have any secret or illegal assets or property. I have given the details of what I own to the ACC. We are law-abiding citizens. I am cooperating with ACC for their investigation.”
Earlier on July 12, the commission summoned the duo for allegedly assisting Lakshmipur 2 MP in human trafficking and amassing illegal wealth.
ACC imposed a travel ban on Papul’s wife, sister-in-law, and his daughter on June 17.
On February 26, the ACC launched an inquiry against Papul over allegations of his amassing Tk1,400 crore through his involvement in human trafficking to Kuwait and other countries.
On June 22, the ACC sent a letter to Bangladesh Bank to freeze business accounts of Papul, his wife Salina, daughter Wafa Islam, and sister-in-law Jasmine in domestic and foreign banks and financial institutions.
The ACC also served a notice to the Election Commission to get the electoral affidavit of MP Shahid and his wife Selina Islam.
The ACC earlier requested the Special Branch of Police to place restrictions on foreign travel of MP Shahid and his family.
Papul was arrested by the Kuwaiti police on June 7 from the Musharraf area. A case has been filed against him for human trafficking, money laundering, and exploitation of business workers. He is currently imprisoned in Kuwait.
Earlier, on June 9, the ACC served notices to MP Shahid Islam and members of his family, seeking their wealth statements.
They were asked to submit copies of their passports, NIDs, TINs, and income tax returns.
