Yunus seeks Canada’s support to recover money laundered from Bangladesh

He accuses Hasina’s allies of stealing billions and funnelling them abroad

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has sought Canada’s cooperation in recovering funds siphoned off from Bangladesh to the North American country.

He asked for assistance in identifying, freezing, and reclaiming the assets during his meeting with Canadian High Commissioner to Dhaka Ajit Singh at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday.

The interim prime minister said oligarchs, cronies, and politicians linked to Sheikh Hasina’s “dictatorship” had stolen billions of dollars, and part of it was laundered to Canada.

Some of these illicit funds were allegedly used to purchase assets in Toronto's infamous "Begum Para" neighbourhood.

"They stole money from our people and bought assets in Begum Para. We need your help to recover the assets. It is the money of our people," Yunus said.

The envoy appreciated the interim administration's efforts to recover the stolen money and assured the chief advisor of Canada's support for the initiative.

The high commissioner said Canada has a “mechanism” that allows the Bangladesh government to request the seizure and repatriation of laundered money from identified persons.

He also offered the country's support to the interim government's reform initiatives in its transition to democracy.

"We support the great thing you are doing. We appreciate the progress that has been made. We are keen to know what we can do.”

The envoy said Canada was keen to expand trade with Bangladesh and invest more in the country.

He added that a Canadian minister would visit soon to discuss issues of mutual interest.

Yunus recalled his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He said Dhaka needs more Canadian investment.

"Bangladesh is open for business. We want Canadian companies to relocate their factories here," he told Ajit.

The chief advisor said many Bangladeshi people now live and study in Canada, and Ottawa should make a move to set up its visa office in Dhaka.