The Ministry of Finance has reported a total of 66,146 crore Taka worth of assets seized from multiple business groups, both within Bangladesh and abroad. Domestic assets account for 55,638 crore Taka, while assets located overseas are valued at 10,508 crore Taka. This combined figure includes both movable and immovable properties.
Officials clarified that these assets are now “attached,” meaning their owners are barred from transferring, selling, or withdrawing them, including any related bank deposits. The initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, strengthen asset recovery mechanisms, and ensure transparency in financial management.
The announcement coincided with the 30th meeting of the National Coordination Committee, held at the Secretariat under the leadership of Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. Key discussions centred on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of asset recovery, both domestically and internationally.
Significant attention was given to updating the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, by amending selected provisions to facilitate the rapid recovery of funds sent abroad. The meeting also emphasised the swift submission of chargesheets in priority cases and instructed agencies to take decisive action for expedited case resolutions.
Officials reviewed the progress of joint investigation teams focusing on 11 high-priority cases concerning overseas asset recovery. This initiative is intended to streamline investigative processes and prevent delays in bringing illicitly acquired wealth back under government control.
Bangladesh’s forthcoming fourth round of mutual evaluation by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), scheduled for 2027–28, was discussed as a matter of utmost priority. Finance Adviser Ahmed instructed all relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with international anti-money laundering standards ahead of this assessment.
The meeting brought together an extensive roster of officials, including the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Principal Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Finance Secretary, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, Commerce Secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Secretary, Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Foreign Secretary, Additional Attorney General, Director of the CID, and representatives from the Home Ministry, Bangladesh Police, and the Financial Intelligence Unit.
These comprehensive measures reflect the Government’s determination to tackle corruption and illicit financial activities. By freezing both domestic and overseas assets, and streamlining the legal process, authorities aim to reinforce accountability, protect national resources, and curb the flow of illicit funds used for unlawful or terrorist activities.