The National Board of Revenue yesterday asked banks to unfreeze the accounts of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The move came 17 years after the NBR froze the accounts.
The Central Intelligence Cell of the tax administration in August 2007 directed banks to freeze the accounts of Khaleda, who served as prime minister thrice since 1991, based on the recommendation of a panel formed during the then Army-backed caretaker government, said a senior official of the NBR.
Khaleda’s accounts had been blocked since then although the BNP on several occasions demanded unfreeze.
The latest move by the NBR comes after a mass uprising toppled the government of Sheikh Hasina, a long-time rival of Khaleda, on August 5, ending the 15-year Awami League rule.
The NBR said they received an application from Khaleda’s lawyer on Sunday seeking unfreezing of the bank accounts.
“As there are no tax-related issues pending investigation relating to Khaleda Zia, we have advised banks to unfreeze all her accounts. We have asked them to take immediate action and provide a compliance report,” the official said.
