Kuwait did not inform the Bangladesh government anything ‘officially’ yet about the arrest of MP Mohammad Shahid Islam Papul, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday.
But he asserted that the government would not spare anybody if found involved in human trafficking and money laundering.
“The government maintains zero tolerance against human trafficking and money laundering. Punishment is a must no matter which party they belong to,” he said, replying to questions at his office.
On June 6, Kuwait's Criminal Investigation Department arrested Shahid on charges of human trafficking, visa trading, and money laundering. On June 20, the lawmaker from Laxmipur- 2 constituency (independent), landed at the central prison Kuwait.
The Foreign Minister said steps would be taken as per the laws of the land if the Kuwait government informs the Bangladesh government officially.
He, however, said MP Shahid did not go to Kuwait using the government passport. He has been doing business in Kuwait for over 29 years and is the Managing Director and CEO of a company there.
The foreign minister said they came to know that the Kuwait government arrested him not as an MP of Bangladesh but as a businessman of Kuwait.
“He is probably a local resident of Kuwait.”
The Public Prosecutor of Kuwait has approached the Central Bank to freeze the bank accounts of Mohammad Shahid Islam, according to media reports.
The financial balance of the company amounts to about 5 million Kuwait dinars, including 3 million dinars as company’s capital.
Asked about allegations against Bangladesh Ambassador to Kuwait SM Abul Kalam, the foreign minister said his contractual appointment would be ended this month and then he would come back to Bangladesh.
The next Ambassador for Kuwait is already finalized, he said, adding that the government will look into it if the Kuwait government brings any allegation against the Ambassador.
Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) sought income tax documents of Mohammad Shahid Islam, MP, his family and his sister-in-law from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
Deputy director of ACC Mohammad Salauddin sought the documents from NBR in connection with the MP’s alleged involvement in money laundering and accumulating illegal wealth.
Besides, it also served a notice to the Election Commission to get the electoral affidavit of MP Shahid and his wife Selina Islam.
