DHAKA: Efforts to retrieve laundered funds from abroad are being actively pursued by the interim government, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking at a press briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy, Alam emphasized the government’s commitment to reclaiming these assets despite the challenges involved.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Alam highlighted that the Chief Adviser had prioritized the issue of money laundering during his discussions with international leaders and organizations in the United States, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. This agenda reflects the government’s broader strategy to address financial integrity and accountability.
The press secretary also mentioned that Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has engaged in discussions with Western ambassadors and that the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) is actively working on the matter. Furthermore, during their annual meeting with the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), the finance adviser and the central bank governor underscored the need for concerted actions to address the issue. Continuous dialogues with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are part of these efforts.
Alam acknowledged the complexity of the task but reiterated the government’s determination to retrieve the funds. He stressed the importance of returning the money to benefit the people of Bangladesh, highlighting the potential positive impact on the nation’s economy.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, at a recent meeting, cited estimates that approximately USD 12 billion to USD 15 billion has been siphoned off annually from Bangladesh during the regime of the Awami League government. These figures underscore the magnitude of the challenge faced by authorities in their efforts to recover stolen assets.