The ruling Awami League's joint general secretary and lawmaker Mahbubul Alam Hanif told Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday that corruption had tarnished the image of the government despite its achievements.
鈥楾he prime minister has repeatedly announced a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Even then, corruption could not be suppressed or controlled,鈥� he said while participating in a discussion on the proposed budget for the 2024鈥�25 financial year.
He observed that these days the market looked unstable and commodity prices were increasing.
鈥榌Market] control is difficult. The market can never be controlled. If there is a free flow of corruption in the market, it can never be controlled,鈥� he said.
Referring to a cow sold for over Tk one crore during recent Eid-ul-Azha, Hanif said that only people with illegal income could afford it.聽
鈥筜ou cannot buy it with legitimate income...those who have legal income can never throw money into the water,鈥� he said.
Despite increased salaries and improved facilities, why are government employees still involved in corruption? he questioned.
鈥楾oday, when the issue of corruption comes up, everyone first points fingers at politicians. However, none of the members of parliament have executive power except a minister,鈥� he said.
'Corruption may be present in government development and procurement. Where is the corruption opportunity for a politician?鈥� he asked.
Opposing the opportunity to legalise undisclosed money with a 15 per cent tax, Hanif said he did not find it logical to pay a 30 per cent tax on legal income and 15 per cent on illegal income.
He said that many people would be reluctant if the tax rate was approved and demanded a 30 per cent tax on legalising undisclosed money.