C T Online Desk: European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, has said that the recovery of money laundered from Bangladesh over the past 15 years may take a considerable amount of time, as it is a complex judicial process.
In response to a question about Transparency International’s call for sanctions against former ministers, public representatives, and others who have misappropriated large sums from Bangladesh and are now residing in various EU member states, EU Ambassador said that the Bangladesh government must provide credible evidence and necessary documentation regarding the siphoned assets to the relevant authorities in those EU countries.
Michael Miller made the remark during a Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) Talk at the Jatiya Press Club today.
He also said that the European Union wants all perpetrators of human rights violations to be held accountable through a fair and transparent process.
“We want each and every perpetrator to be held accountable, but the trial process has to be fair and transparent,” he said in response to a question on the human rights violations that occurred during the July-August uprising.
Miller said the EU fully supports the reform initiatives of the interim government, but such reforms require sufficient time.
He also emphasised that the upcoming election should be free, fair, and credible.
Asked about the EU’s position on election timing, given the differing opinions, Miller said it is up to the people of Bangladesh to decide.
“We don’t have any pressure on the election date,” he added.
The BNP wants the polls to be held after minimum reforms, while the newly-formed National Citizens Party demands the elections only after substantial reforms.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the national election will be held no later than June next year.
DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Arifuzzaman Mamun also spoke at the event.
