MP Papul in Kuwait jail for one month

It has been one month since Kuwait arrested the Bangladeshi lawmaker Md Shahid Islam alias Kazi Papul for involvement in human trafficking, money laundering, illegal visa trade and bribery. 

Papul was picked up from his rented house in the country on the night of June 6. 

The public prosecution department will produce him before court on July 9, and seek extension to his imprisonment. 

Confirming the matter to The Business Standard, Ataul Gani, president of Awami League's Kuwait chapter and a resident of the country for at least 35 years, said he had never seen the Kuwaiti authorities to be in such a strict position with any human trafficker. 

"The authorities have already sent two Kuwaiti high officials into 21 days imprisonment for involvement in crimes with the Bangladeshi MP, and more people were interrogated over these charges," he added.  

"So, it will be difficult for the Bangladeshi MP to be released soon, and if proven guilty, he may be sentenced to jail for at least seven years according to Kuwaiti laws," the AL leader added. 

Bangladesh Ambassador to Kuwait SM Abul Kalam echoed Ataul, and said they are aware of the consequences. 

Earlier on July 1, an official working at the Public Authority for Manpower and a former parliamentary candidate were arrested and imprisoned for 21 days for involvement in the Bangladeshi MP case, according to Al Qabas newspaper.

Their case is still under review by the public prosecutor and they are awaiting trial. The public prosecutor's office is awaiting financial documents that prove payment was made to MP Papul.

The chapters of the case of the Bangladeshi MP accused of human trafficking, residencies, money laundering and bribes are continuing. 

The source added that one of the most prominent things expected in the case is the financial investigation report regarding the financial transfers of the first suspect Kazi Papul with the rest of the accused or any person who might be involved with him.