2ND Former ministers arrested in Bangladesh for corruption


dpa German Press Agency
Published: Sunday February 4, 2007

Dhaka- Anti-corruption officials backed by a joint force of
army, police and intelligence agencies arrested a score of former
ministers and high profile businessmen in Bangladesh after storming
their plush homes Sunday, officials said.
The midnight raids were carried out by the joint force as the
country's caretaker government stepped up the current anti-corruption
campaign.

"The joint force has been asked to continue its mission of curbing
corruption and crime," said Fakhruddin Ahmed, chief of the caretaker
government.

Those arrested included eight former ministers, two leading
businessmen and several prominent political activists.

Nazmul Huda, minister for transport in the erstwhile ruling
Nationalist-Islamist coalition, was arrested after his house was
searched, family sources said.

Members of the joint force also picked up former Home Affairs
minister Muhammad Nasim in the Awami League government.

The detainees were undergoing interrogation by security forces and
officials of the anti-corruption commission.

The caretaker government was appointed by President Iajuddin Ahmad
after he declared a State of Emergency all over the country amidst
political turmoil.

The transitional government is expected to step down after holding
a general election for a new parliament.

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency