Money laundering deferred resolving ethnic groups' problems, says PM Tarqiue

He says “years of neglect” have left many longstanding problems unresolved

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that many of the problems faced by Bangladesh's small ethnic communities could have been resolved if money was not laundered abroad during the previous government's tenure.

He reiterated his commitment to building a “prosperous, equitable, and discrimination-free Bangladesh”.

He also said the BNP-led government is currently having to navigate what he described as a "terrible" situation.

The prime minister made these remarks on Thursday afternoon during a meeting with representatives of small ethnic communities at the Public Administration Hall of the Secretariat, said Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla.

The deputy press secretary said, "A delegation representing small ethnic communities met with [Tarique]. The representatives presented various issues affecting their communities, and the prime minister listened attentively to their concerns."

Describing the small ethnic communities as an “inseparable part” of Bangladesh, the prime minister said he and his government are working to build a country where no ethnic or national community faces discrimination.

"We want to build the Bangladesh that everyone aspires to by moving forward together. We do not consider anyone to be separate."

The delegation presented several demands, including establishing a Land Commission to resolve land ownership disputes affecting small ethnic communities in the plains, organising a National Convention for indigenous and marginalised communities, and replacing the term "small ethnic community" with identity based on individual ethnic groups.

They also demanded constitutional recognition to indigenous peoples and ending of the eviction of ethnic communities from settlements due to development projects or reserved forest declarations.

Another demand raised was expanding access to loans and financial services for members of small ethnic communities.

The prime minister said, "We are going through a terrible situation. The country's institutions and economy were destroyed by the fascist government. Around $16 billion was laundered out of the country every year. Had that money not been laundered, many of your problems could have been solved."

He added, "Our government is trying to address the issues that can be resolved in phases, beginning with those that are immediately achievable."

The PM further said, "The struggle we face today is much bigger. To survive and succeed, we must remain united, work together, and move forward together. You must consider how we can build a better future."

Referring to the country's ongoing challenges, he said: "I am still surprised that so many problems continue to exist. These issues should have been addressed over the past 17 years. If they had been dealt with then, many of today's problems would already have been solved."

"We used to hear countless stories about development. Where is all of that now? The entire burden has fallen on our government. People have high expectations of us, and we are working to overcome these challenges and help the country recover."