The submission of the investigation report in the case concerning the large-scale theft from Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves has once again been postponed, prolonging a matter that has remained under intense scrutiny for years.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), tasked with probing the incident, failed to submit its report on the scheduled date, prompting the court to set a new deadline of 18 May. The decision was taken on Thursday (9 April) when no report was placed before the court as expected.
Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jeshita Islam of Dhaka granted the extension and fixed the fresh date for submission. The repeated delays have once again raised questions regarding the progress and effectiveness of the ongoing investigation into one of the most high-profile financial cybercrimes in the country’s history.
Background of the Heist
The incident dates back to 5 February 2016, when a sophisticated cyber intrusion targeted the account of the Bangladesh Bank held with the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States. Using fraudulent SWIFT messages, an organised group attempted to transfer massive sums of money abroad. A total of 81 million US dollars was successfully siphoned off and subsequently routed to several financial institutions in the Philippines.
Investigators have long suspected that the operation involved not only an international hacking network but also possible local collaborators, making the case significantly more complex. The exposure of the incident triggered widespread concern both domestically and internationally, highlighting vulnerabilities in financial cybersecurity systems and banking infrastructure.
Case Progress and Investigation Timeline
Following the incident, a case was filed on 15 March 2016 at Motijheel Police Station by then Deputy Director of the Accounts and Budgeting Department of Bangladesh Bank, Zobayer Bin Huda. The case was lodged against unidentified individuals under the Money Laundering Prevention Act and the Information and Communication Technology Act.
The CID was later assigned to carry out the investigation. However, despite the passage of nearly a decade, the final report has yet to be submitted to the court, with multiple extensions granted over time.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 February 2016 | $81 million stolen from Bangladesh Bank reserves |
| 15 March 2016 | Case filed at Motijheel Police Station |
| 2016 onwards | Investigation handed over to CID |
| Multiple dates | Repeated delays in report submission |
| 9 April 2026 | Report not submitted on scheduled date |
| 18 May 2026 | New deadline set for submission |
Continuing Concerns
The prolonged delay has reignited debate over the pace and transparency of the investigation. The case is not merely about financial theft; it has become a symbol of broader concerns regarding cybersecurity readiness, institutional accountability, and the resilience of international banking systems.
Experts argue that such delays risk undermining public confidence in financial governance and justice delivery. As the investigation enters its tenth year, attention now shifts to the newly scheduled date of 18 May, when authorities are expected to finally present the long-awaited report before the court.