Dhaka, Jun 29 (V7N) — Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has alleged that the highest level of corruption in recent years occurred during the previous interim government, calling for an official investigation into its 18-month tenure.

Speaking during the budget debate in the National Parliament on Sunday, the minister cited media reports and referred to a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), claiming it indicated that corruption reached its highest level during the interim administration.

Salahuddin Ahmed urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to direct the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the alleged corruption that took place during the 18-month period.

"For the sake of the nation, we sometimes have to accept many things even if we do not agree with them," the Home Minister said. He also warned that those attempting to disrupt the electoral process or prolong their stay in power should be closely monitored.

Describing the proposed national budget as people-friendly, the minister said prices of essential commodities had remained stable both before and after the budget was presented. He expressed optimism that the public would begin to experience the positive effects of the budget within the next six months.

Earlier in the parliamentary session, Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury strongly criticized a previous remark by the Home Minister, describing him as a "modern-day mufti." He argued that anyone questioning Jamaat-e-Islami's Islamic identity should first understand the party's century-long history.

Responding to the criticism, Salahuddin Ahmed said, "I found that Jamaat-e-Islami was founded on August 26, 1941. The party is 84 years old, so I don't think I will live to see it complete 100 years," drawing laughter from members of Parliament.

The Home Minister further said that historical records show Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the creation of Pakistan in 1947 and later opposed the independence of Bangladesh during the 1971 Liberation War.

The remarks were made during the ongoing debate on the national budget in the Jatiya Sangsad.

END/SMA/AJ