‘Ex-peon at my residence’ who amassed billions faces action: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday revealed that a former peon who once worked at her residence had amassed assets worth Tk 4.0 billion and travelled exclusively by helicopter.

“A former peon at my residence now owns Tk 4 billion...after finding out how that peon made so much money, I took action,” Hasina said, while discussing measures against corruption, during a press conference at her official residence, Ganobhaban, regarding her recent visit to China.

Emphasising the government's strict stance on corruption, the prime minister said, "No one has before conducted such an operation against corruption.

“We eradicated terrorism earlier. Corruption is a long-standing issue. We have to clean up this mess. You are aware of it because we took action."

Addressing questions about future measures against corruption, Hasina said, "I don’t believe the government's image will be tarnished because of catching the corrupt.

“It’s my duty to address irregularities and elevate the country's status. Corruption is more prevalent at the lower levels. It was at such a level that no work could be done.

“The situation has changed. Now that we’ve started, we won’t stop. I don’t differentiate between insiders and outsiders. There will be zero tolerance against corruption."