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Published : 01 Apr 2026, 08:26 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has told parliament that Bangladesh is pursuing the recovery of billions allegedly laundered abroad during the ousted Awami League’s rule, with agreements under negotiation with seven countries to trace and repatriate the funds.
He said investigations revealed that illicit money was transferred to multiple countries, prompting intensified efforts to exchange information, identify assets, and boost mutual legal assistance with these nations.
Answering MPs’ questions in parliament on Wednesday, Tarique told Cumilla-9 MP Abul Kalam that a white paper prepared by the interim administration indicated that between 2009 and 2023, an estimated $234 billion left the country illegally -- an average of $16 billion per year, equivalent to nearly Tk 1.8 trillion.
On collaboration with foreign countries, the premier said: “The foreign ministry is working closely with all relevant ministries and agencies to execute mutual legal agreements and exchange procedures for this purpose.”
Tarique said the government is initially focusing on agreements with 10 countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Thailand, the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
He added that agreements with Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the UAE have already received approval for signing, while deals with the remaining seven countries are under way.
Tarique also highlighted an inter-agency task force led by the Bangladesh Bank governor.
To investigate the identified cases, 11 joint investigation teams have been formed under the Anti-Corruption Commission, coordinating with the police CID, the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell, and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate.
The session, presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, began at 3pm, with the first 30 minutes allocated for direct questions to the premier.
MPs, including Opposition members, asked about the progress on different pledges outlined in the election manifesto.
The 13th Parliament began on Mar 12, adjourned for Eid and other holidays on Mar 15, and reconvened after a 13-day break.
The ongoing session will continue until Apr 30.
