After nearly 17 years, tax authorities in Bangladesh have decided to unfreeze the bank accounts of Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has instructed banks to lift the freeze on her accounts, which were blocked in 2007 based on a recommendation from a panel formed during an Army-backed caretaker government.
Khaleda Zia, who has served as Bangladesh’s prime minister twice, had been demanding the unfreezing of her accounts for years. The latest development comes after unrest led to the toppling of longtime rival Sheikh Hasina’s government. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken over the administration.
Khaleda Zia, 79, was released from jail following the change in government. The NBR confirmed receiving an application from her lawyer to unfreeze the accounts and stated that there are no pending tax issues related to her. Banks have been advised to take immediate action and provide a compliance report regarding the unlocking of her accounts.
Overall, this decision marks a significant development in Bangladesh’s political landscape, signaling changes under the new interim government.
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