Seized UK assets signal recovery momentum
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur on Saturday stated that growing international pressure is mounting over issues of money laundering from Bangladesh and the repatriation of illicitly transferred funds.
Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the “Credit Enhancement Scheme (CEC)” launched by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in Dhaka, Governor Mansur cited recent asset seizures in the United Kingdom as a direct outcome of this pressure.
The event was presided over by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan, with Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Hoyeon Jeong in attendance as special guests.
“We are greatly encouraged by the recent seizure of assets in the UK. This momentum must continue. Many individuals and organisations with links to Bangladesh have laundered assets, particularly in the UK, and we hope these too can be identified and frozen,” said Governor Mansur.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has reportedly seized luxury properties worth £90 million (approximately Tk 14.79 billion), allegedly owned by two individuals linked to Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The individuals named are Ahmed Shayan F Rahman, son of Salman F Rahman, former Adviser on Private Industry and Investment, and Ahmed Shahriar Rahman, his nephew.
Addressing journalists after the event, the Governor added, “I recently visited London and held discussions with officials there on money laundering. Our Chief Adviser has reiterated Bangladesh’s political commitment to recovering stolen assets. These recent developments are a reflection of that commitment.”
He cautioned, however, that the return of the seized assets would not be immediate. “Asset seizure does not equate to instant repatriation. Legal processes must first be concluded.
However, the seizure is significant-it bars owners from disposing of the assets during the legal proceedings. The court will now determine ownership and whether the assets should be returned to Bangladesh.”
Governor Mansur further revealed that illicit Bangladeshi wealth is believed to be held in several other countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. “I visited Dubai last week and plan to visit Singapore soon, followed by another trip to London. We are also planning to organise an international conference on money laundering to bolster these efforts,” he said.
He stressed the ethical responsibility of the global community: “Holding such assets is unjust. These funds belong to the people of Bangladesh and should be returned. We urge the international community to act accordingly.”
In a separate announcement, the Governor revealed that new banknotes will be issued ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. These notes-denominations of Tk 1,000, Tk 50, and Tk 20 – will feature images of mosques, temples, historical landmarks, and natural scenery, but no portraits of individuals.