Dhaka: Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has uncovered Taka 40,000 crore worth of assets, which were amassed in various countries through the illicit siphoning of money from Bangladesh. The findings were reported by CIC Director General Ahsan Habib to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discovery was made following investigations conducted in seven cities across five countries since January. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan and CIC Director General Ahsan Habib conveyed this information during a briefing to the Chief Adviser. Additionally, 352 passports obtained by Bangladeshis through financial transactions were identified in nine countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, North Macedonia, Malta, Saint Lucia, and Turkey.
Ahsan Habib explained that initial preparations based on gathered intelligence led CIC operatives to visit these countries and collect comprehensive data. He stated that further investigations are ongoing and that 346 properties have been identified, having been acquired by laundering money from Bangladesh. Habib emphasized that this is just a partial outcome of their inquiries.
The CIC is actively working to reclaim these assets for Bangladesh and to ensure those involved in the money laundering activities are prosecuted. More than six international organizations are aiding Bangladesh in this endeavor. Habib noted, “What we have found so far is the tip of the iceberg. We still have a lot of information that needs more time to uncover.”
Habib also highlighted that individuals involved in these activities had manipulated data within the Central Bank Database during Sheikh Hasina’s administration. However, the CIC has developed expertise in retrieving erased information.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus urged for coordinated efforts with the ACC, CIC, CID, and other relevant authorities to identify those involved and hold them accountable. He called for setting a precedent to prevent future occurrences of such financial misconduct.
Prof Yunus directed the CIC to extend its investigation efforts to more countries and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting all necessary measures to repatriate the country’s assets. He described the financial exploitation as a grave betrayal and stressed the importance of exposing those responsible to the nation.