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| Bangladesh |
| Bangladesh arrests 2 more politicians |
| 2007-02-07 |
| BangladeshÂ’s security forces arrested two more aides of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Tuesday, moves that come amid renewed vows by the interim government to fight corruption. Tariqul Islam, a former forest and environment minister, and Rashiduzzaman Millat, a former lawmaker, were detained in raids on their homes, ATN Bangla TV and their families said. There was no immediate comment from security forces. The Home Ministry said in a statement the government was stepping up its drive against corruption and violence, without referring to the detention of politicians and former Cabinet ministers since a state of emergency was declared last month. On Monday, 19 politicians arrested under emergency powers were sent to jail for a month, a lawyer said. Eight of the detainees, including former Cabinet minister Nazmul Huda and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, are close aides of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Several detainees are from the Awami League party, headed by ZiaÂ’s predecessor and main rival, Sheikh Hasina. No specific charges have been brought against any of them, but they are accused of corruption and anti-state activities, a lawyer for one of the detainees said Monday on condition of anonymity. Also Tuesday, the chief of BangladeshÂ’s corruption watchdog agency announced his decision to step down on Wednesday following a meeting with President Iajuddin Ahmed. Sultan Hossain Khan, chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission, did not explain his decision, but he has reportedly come under pressure from the interim government for allegedly failing to pursue corruption while Zia was in power. |
| Posted by:Fred |