Labour and Employment adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Saturday said that despite actions against business owners involved in money laundering and various crimes, their businesses would continue to operate.
He said this while speaking at Consumer Rights Conference 2024 organised by Conscious Consumers Society.
The event was held on Saturday noon at Dhaka University鈥檚 Teacher-Student Centre Auditorium.
He also said that many major business owners in Bangladesh were accused of money laundering or loan default.
The government is taking action against them, Asif added.
鈥業ndividuals will be tried for their crimes. We, however, want businesses to continue their operations,鈥� he added.
He further added that those who committed crimes using their businesses and connections with the government to launder money would face trial.
Citing an example, the labour adviser said, 鈥楲ivelihoods of 70,000 employees are involved with Beximco. To keep the business operational, the government is providing support, including loan arrangements.鈥�
Expressing dissatisfaction over the price hike of essential commodities, he said, 鈥榃e have taken initiatives to reduce prices of essentials. The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has formed task forces across districts, including student representatives. We鈥檝e seen some positive outcomes.鈥�
He said, 鈥榃e鈥檝e seen previous governments were held captive by corporate interests. We are not bound to corporate forces. We are taking action against anyone, including owners of two major companies in the country.鈥�
The Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Mohammad Alim Akhtar Khan, said that some failed to understand the reality.
The conference was attended, among others, by secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment AHM Shafiquzzaman, former additional secretary Rashedul Haque, National Citizens鈥� Committee coordinator Nasir Uddin Patwary, general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin, President of Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad Bin Yamin Molla, and secretary general of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Jahidul Islam.
