Dhaka: Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has uncovered Taka 40,000 crore worth of assets amassed in various countries through money laundering activities originating from Bangladesh. CIC Director General Ahsan Habib informed Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus about these findings during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discovery of these assets was a result of investigations carried out in seven cities across five countries since January this year. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan and CIC Director General Ahsan Habib shared these developments with the Chief Adviser. In addition to the assets, authorities found 352 passports acquired by Bangladeshi individuals in nine countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Dominica, Grenada, and Turkey, among others.
Ahsan Habib explained that CIC detectives conducted on-site visits to gather comprehensive data after receiving initial information from various sources. While further investigations are ongoing, they identified 346 properties acquired through laundered money under individual and organizational names. The current findings represent only a fraction of the investigation’s scope.
The CIC is actively working to reclaim these properties and ensure legal action against those involved in the laundering operations. International cooperation is being sought, with over six global organizations assisting in the effort. Habib highlighted the significant challenges faced, including the erasure of data by individuals who manipulated the Central Bank Database during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. However, the CIC has developed expertise in data recovery.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus emphasized the necessity of coordinated efforts with the ACC, CIC, CID, and other authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for money laundering. He urged a comprehensive investigation to prevent future incidents of national asset plundering.
Prof Yunus described the looting as a severe act of betrayal against the country’s economic interests, stressing the importance of justice for a prosperous future. He called for all relevant organizations to collaborate in exposing and addressing the exploitation of national resources.