Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today directed the Bangladesh Bank governor and the authorities concerned to bring those involved in looting money from banks to justice as soon as possible. He gave the directives at a meeting on ‘Bangladesh Economy: Recent Challenges and Future Way Forward’ at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO) here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam revealed the outcomes of the meeting at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Alam stated that the Chief Adviser has instructed that those involved in bank robbery and those against whom there are specific allegations should be brought to justice soon. “They should not be out of the purview of the law. They must be brought under the law at any cost,” he quoted Prof Yunus as saying.
Prof Yunus emphasized the urgency of bringing bank looters to justice, stating that those who looted bank money have essentially stolen from the common people of Bangladesh. He urged swift legal action to address this issue. At the meeting, Prof Yunus expressed satisfaction over the country’s current economic situation but stressed the need for continued improvement, highlighting the challenge of elevating the nation’s economic status.
Additionally, Prof Yunus instructed the authorities to find a solution to the complications faced by Beximco. Echoing Prof Yunus, CA Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar noted a 23 percent growth in expatriate income due to increasing immigration, yet acknowledged the untapped potential in this sector. Prof Yunus also ordered measures to reopen visas for Bangladeshi migrants in countries where they are currently closed.
Financial Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed reported that macroeconomic stability has returned, and Bangladesh is moving towards a stable position. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur informed the chief adviser that assets of the S Alam Group have been seized to recover stolen bank money, and several steps have been taken against Nagad. The governor identified 12 oligarchs involved in bank looting, stating efforts are underway to recover laundered money with international assistance.
A delegation from the UK has visited Bangladesh to aid in recovering laundered funds, with a Swiss delegation also expected. The government is working to repatriate US$ 234 billion laundered from Bangladesh. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present at the briefing.