Staff Reporter :
Salehuddin Ahmed, Financial Adviser to the Interim Government, has announced that individuals who are defaulting on loans will be barred from contesting in upcoming elections, as part of measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Bangladesh Bank and the Election Commission on Wednesday, Ahmed said the move aims to prevent financially irresponsible candidates from holding public office.
“The Election Commission will rigorously scrutinise candidates’ financial records in collaboration with the central bank. Those found to be in default will be disqualified from participating,” he stated.
The adviser added that the initiative forms part of broader government reforms to strengthen good governance, restore public confidence in elections, and curb unethical practices. Sources at Bangladesh Bank said updated lists of loan defaulters are being prepared for submission to the Election Commission ahead of the nomination process.
Ahmed also highlighted ongoing efforts to recover laundered funds, noting that 101 individuals have been identified as moving over Tk 2 billion each. While repatriation will take time, he said work is advancing on 11 priority cases. “Those involved have been identified. We have signed MoUs to enable recovery,” he noted.
The former central bank chief described the complexity of tracing laundered money, citing extensive layering across multiple jurisdictions. “We have identified who did it and where the money ultimately sat. Legal channels are now being pursued, as requests from Bangladesh Bank alone are insufficient,” he said.
He confirmed that several properties in London linked to one individual have been seized, while authorities are pursuing action in Singapore against another. Domestically, assets of major corporate groups, including S Alam, Bashundhara, and Beximco, have also been seized. “Had this money not left the country, we would not have required IMF assistance. This is our money,” Ahmed said.
He emphasised that the cumulative funds involved run into thousands of crores of taka, underscoring the scale of financial irregularities addressed by the interim government.
