Retrieving laundered money one of govt’s key commitments: Shafiqul

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Adviser, said that one of the government’s primary commitments is to recover laundered money. 

"We will begin working on this by December 10, holding several meetings with those involved. We will identify the sources from which the money was stolen," he said.

Shafiqul made the remarks in response to a question during a conference at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday.

According to the report of the White Paper Preparation Committee, led by economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, approximately $16 billion was illegally laundered from Bangladesh each year during the 15-year tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The report was handed over to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Sunday. 

Shafiqul said, "A committee was formed to evaluate the state of the economy during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. They were given a three-month deadline, and the report was completed within that time. Today marks its formal handover."

The press secretary continued, “We have already shared the key findings. The situation is horrific. The so-called 'development' narrative of the last 15 years is being critically examined, revealing a system of looting that occurred right under the nose of the people. It’s a story of corruption and complicity—many have even legitimized this looting.”

He further emphasised, "Billions of dollars were siphoned off. This is taxpayer money from the people of Bangladesh, many of whom are poor. The money of the poor was looted, with the involvement of politicians, bureaucrats, and businessmen."

He expressed dismay that even some journalists played a role in legitimising the looting.