Minister AMA Muhith today came down hard on those who were critical of the provision for whitening black money saying many of them had whitened their money in the past.

"Many of those who are opposing the provision of whitening money availed the opportunity in the past. Where was there sense of morality then?" Muhith told reporters at the secretariat.

The finance minister said such opportunity was given for the first time in 1976 under martial law. Later in the 80s, 90s, and in last several years the provision was given continuously and it is going on.

On whether the provision would be changed, Muhith said, "It's not my decision. It has been placed in the parliament. The cabinet will take a final decision in this regard."

He also said there would be an option for whitening money in the public-private partnership (PPP) initiative.

Explaining why more money was whitened during the caretaker regime, the finance minister said 'their power was of different kind.'

- The Daily Star