NN Online:
The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has hired three globally renowned audit firms – EY, Deloitte, and KPMG – to conduct an “asset quality review” after alleging that $17 billion was lost to business associates of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, reports London-based Financial Times, quoting bank governor Ahsan H Mansur.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said, “The central bank has taken significant steps to track down laundered money from banks and reclaim assets, and help to prosecute those responsible.
“Eleven joint investigation committees have been formed under the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) to trace the origins of the stolen funds and work towards their recovery. The country’s goal is to bring those involved in these crimes to justice.”
Although News Agency Reuters reached out to EY and Deloitte for comments, neither firm responded after working hours. Similarly, attempts to contact KPMG via email went unanswered.
Ahsan H Mansur, who assumed the role of central bank governor during the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, also disclosed in the interview that investigations are currently underway into 10 major companies, as well as Sheikh Hasina and her family’s involvement in the alleged financial misconduct.
