BNP leader and former FBCCI president Abdul Awal Mintoo on Monday said that the recent trend of freezing or suspending individuals’ bank accounts is not lawful.
He expressed his disapproval of the practice of suspending accounts without adhering to legal procedures.
Speaking at a discussion with members of the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) in Dhaka’s Paltan, Mintoo shared his views while answering questions.
During the session, he also addressed the current state of business, economic conditions, and possible actions.
Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) of the Bangladesh Bank instructed the suspension of bank accounts belonging to several former ministers, members of parliament, and businessmen.
Mintoo said: "I also disapprove of freezing bank accounts arbitrarily. What is happening now is that someone’s account can be frozen on a whim; this is not lawful. Such actions should follow a legal process.”
He added: “If there is credible evidence, then an investigation should be conducted, and accounts may be frozen accordingly. Even my account can be frozen — I have no objection to it — but whatever is done should be within the bounds of the law."
Recently, the government’s advisory committee decided to sell 16 companies from Beximco Group’s garment sector.
Reports also suggest that several other companies under the group may be shut down.
When asked about this, Mintoo said: "Who will sell them, and why? Businesses or institutions are neither moral nor immoral. Those who operate these entities, if they act unethically, should be held accountable under the law. I will not comment further on this. The owners can be punished, but no institution should be closed.
“Decisions affecting productive institutions, employing thousands of people, should not be taken by an interim government," he added.
On the trade relations between India and Bangladesh, Mintoo said: "It cannot be denied that there is currently some tension with India. This is because India has forgotten its relationship with the people of Bangladesh and focused only on a single political party. Now that the government is no longer in power, it is difficult for India to accept this.”
He added: “The policy of the current interim government is clear: India must first formally acknowledge the changes since August 5, and then we can move forward. I also believe this is the right approach."
