FROM PAGE 3

Responding to a question from Tangail-6 lawmaker Robiul Awal, the PM said the government had launched the Farmer’s Card on April 14 to address these challenges and transform agriculture into a sustainable and profitable sector by boosting production and productivity.

Responding to a supplementary question from Narail-2 lawmaker Ataur Rahman, the PM said the cards would allow support to be delivered directly to farmers, enabling them to collect allocated fertiliser, seeds, pesticides and other inputs from designated local shops without travelling long distances, while the government would have detailed information on their land and requirements.

Replying to a question from Munshiganj-3 lawmaker Kamruzzaman, the PM said the government’s election manifesto included publishing a comprehensive white paper into money laundering and corruption during the Awami League regime.

Citing findings of the White Paper Preparation Committee formed by the interim government, he said that between 2009 and 2023, a total of $234 billion -- averaging $16 billion annually, or approximately Tk 1.8 lakh crore -- had been siphoned off.

Tarique Rahman also said the foreign ministry was working closely with relevant ministries and agencies to conclude Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties and exchange Mutual Legal Assistance Requests with other countries to repatriate laundered funds.

Also, an inter-agency task force, chaired by the Bangladesh Bank governor, had been formed, with legal proceedings underway in 11 prioritised cases on money laundering identified by the body, he added.

The cases involve ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her family, former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, S Alam Group, Beximco Group, Sikder Group, Bashundhara Group, NASSA Group, Orion Group, Nabil Group, HBM Iqbal and his family, and Summit Group, along with individuals and institutions linked to their interests.

In response to Natore-4 MP Abdul Aziz, Tarique Rahman said within five years, 1,000 people would be trained as freelancers and two million freelancer cards would be distributed. Already, 7,500 cards have been issued.