MP Shahid denies trafficking, money laundering charges, detention in Kuwait to continue

Laxmipur-2 MP Mohammad Shahid Islam, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department of Kuwait last Saturday on charges of human trafficking and money laundering, has denied the allegations brought against him.

Shahid Islam denied taking any money from anyone and told Kuwait's public prosecution that he has instead been helping his countrymen to earn a living, Arab Times reported.

Kuwait's public prosecution, meanwhile, has ordered continued detention of the Bangladeshi MP pending further investigation, the report read.

Shahid Islam denied what seven Bangladeshis testified to in front of the public prosecution, that each of them had paid 2,500 dinars to the accused [Shahid Islam] to bring them to Kuwait to work as drivers for his company, but when they arrived they were instead asked to find a job for themselves.

The migrants also said when the time for renewal of their residence had come, Shahid asked them to pay more money. Following their confessions, the suspect was arrested from his home in Mishref and referred for interrogation.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi Ambassador to Kuwait SM Abul Kalam said the embassy will not interfere in the investigations carried out by the Kuwaiti authorities against Shahid.

Abul Kalam told Arab Times that the embassy will not provide any support to the arrested man until his charges are determined by the Kuwaiti authorities.

The ambassador also said he has not yet discussed the issue with the Undersecretary of Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khaled Al-Jarallah.

Saying that he is unaware if Shahid is facing imprisonment, Ambassador Abul Kalam said the Bangladeshi MP has not yet contacted the embassy.