DHAKA (AFP) — Bangladesh has given bail to two top businessmen detained in a corruption crackdown, officials said, a move seen as an effort to restore confidence in the emergency-ruled country's economy.
The two are the first businessmen to be released by the country's army-backed government since its launched a nationwide crackdown on graft that has seen at least 150 top politicians and tycoons detained.
Abdul Awal Mintoo, a two-time president of Bangladesh's top trade body, was released on bail on Thursday night, deputy inspector general of prisons major Shamsul Haider Siddiqui said.
His release follows that of Abul Khaer Litu, another prominent businessman who has stakes in cable television and hotels, Siddiqui said.
Mintoo, who also has stakes in insurance, banking, shipping and agriculture, said his release would raise morale in the business community.
"I hope my freedom will bring ease to ordinary businessmen. The economy will gain pace. Democracy will falter without a strong economy," he told the private bdnews24 news agency.
Top government spokesman Syed Fahim Monaem said he would not comment on the releases, although analysts said the government was clearly trying to undo some of the damage to the economy caused by the crackdown.
"The economy has been badly affected since the crackdown was launched. They were released as part of the government's move to boost business activities in the country," said Ataur Rahman, an analyst and professor at Dhaka University.
Bangladesh's emergency government launched the crackdown in February, a month after it took power following the imposition of a state of emergency and the cancellation of polls over vote-rigging allegations.
The country's leading trade body, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, has complained that the drive has caused a "climate of fear" that has dampened domestic investment and hit both exports and imports.
In October the government acknowledged that the drive had affected the economy, as key garments exports fell by 14 per cent in July and August. Bangladesh's central bank also warned of slowing growth.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved. More »
