Human Trafficking: No official word from Kuwait

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen yesterday said the government would not spare anyone involved in human trafficking and money laundering.

"The government maintains zero-tolerance against money laundering and human trafficking," he said, adding that punishment is a must no matter which party they belong.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters at his office.

Responding to a question on lawmaker Mohammad Shahid Islam, the foreign minister said steps would be taken as per the laws of the land if the Kuwait government informs the Bangladesh government officially.

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 landed in the central prison of Kuwait.

Momen said the Kuwait government is yet to inform anything officially about Shahid.

He said Shahid did not go to Kuwait using the government passport and he had been doing business in Kuwait for over 29 years. He is the managing director and CEO of a company there.

The Kuwait government arrested him not as a lawmaker of Bangladesh, but as a businessman of Kuwait, said the minister.

Asked about allegations against Bangladesh Ambassador to Kuwait SM Abul Kalam, Dr Momen said his contractual appointment would end this month and then he would come back to Bangladesh.

He said the government would look into it if the Kuwait government brings any allegation against the ambassador.

The financial balance of Shahid's company amounts to about 5 million Kuwait dinars.

Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) sought income tax documents of Shahid, his family and his sister-in-law from the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Besides, the ACC also served a notice to the Election Commission to get the electoral affidavit of MP Shahid and his wife Selina Islam.

The ACC earlier requested the Special Branch of Police seeking restriction on MP Shahid and his family's foreign travel.

Earlier, on June 9, the ACC served notices to MP Shahid Islam, and his family members, seeking their wealth statements.

ACC Assistant Director M Salahuddin served the notices to Shahid, his wife lawmaker Selina Islam, their daughter Kazi Wafa Islam and Selina's sister Jemin Akter.

They were asked to submit their copies of passports, National Identity Cards, TINs and income tax returns within 15 days.