Editorial
An extortionist trick!
Launch a probe and take action
WE are disturbed at the news of an Awami League lawmaker from Netrokona allegedly collecting money from the local business circles and registry offices in the name of an unregistered destitute welfare fund. The local people, especially the business community, look upon it as extortion under the guise of voluntary donation. The man in question reportedly has his men operating an account in a local bank where the money is deposited.
Coercing people into donating money to an account against their will is a clear case of abuse of power. It is particularly a shameful thing for a public representative to do on whom people have bestowed their trust. The prime minister, as we recall, has been very vocal about such abuse and misuse of power by lawmakers and she had repeatedly warned against any form of extortion, toll collection and snatching of tenders by party people. She had made herself quite clear about such anti-people activities in the parliamentary party meetings. The conduct of the Netrokona lawmaker amounts to noncompliance with the prime minister's directives.
Awami League should launch a vigorous investigation against all such allegations of extortion and toll collection by party men and should take drastic measures to stop the practice once and for all. In this specific case at Netrokona, the bank account should be audited by competent authority to find the source of deposits and take necessary action against the operators if they cannot provide satisfactory answers. And if malpractice is established then the authorities should take steps to return the money to the rightful owners and take legal action against the perpetrators. Awami League should do it for the sake of upholding its image and credibility of the government. We hope the issue would not be swept under the carpet, and that it would be resolved to the satisfaction of the public.
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