Bangladesh lost an estimated $234 billion to money laundering during the Awami League government between 2009 and 2023, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told Parliament, citing findings from an official white paper.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday, the prime minister said the figure was based on findings from an official white paper prepared by a government-appointed committee. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
According to the report, Bangladesh saw an average annual illicit outflow of around $16 billion over the 14-year period, equivalent to approximately Tk 1.8 lakh crore each year. The scale of the outflow has raised concerns over financial governance and capital flight.
The Prime Minister said the government is now working to recover the laundered funds through strengthened international cooperation. Authorities have identified ten key destinations where the funds were allegedly transferred, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Efforts are underway to formalise legal frameworks for cooperation. Agreements to sign Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties have already been reached with Malaysia, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, while discussions with other countries are ongoing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the process.
At the same time, authorities have stepped up domestic enforcement. An inter-agency task force led by the Governor of the Bangladesh Bank has been formed, prioritising 11 major cases for investigation. Joint investigation teams involving the Anti-Corruption Commission, police and financial intelligence units are actively working on these cases.
The Prime Minister said courts have already ordered the freezing and attachment of assets worth more than Tk 70,000 crore, both within Bangladesh and abroad. Of this amount, Tk 57,168.9 crore has been seized domestically, while Tk 13,278.13 crore has been blocked overseas.
So far, 141 cases have been filed in connection with money laundering. Charge sheets have been submitted in 15 cases, and verdicts have been delivered in six, indicating gradual progress in the legal process.
The Prime Minister described the recovery of illicitly transferred funds as a key policy priority, linking it to broader efforts to combat corruption and strengthen economic stability. He also noted that the government’s election commitments include publishing a comprehensive white paper on corruption and ensuring accountability for those involved.
Analysts say the disclosure underscores the need for sustained international cooperation and stronger financial oversight, as Bangladesh seeks to address long-standing challenges related to illicit capital outflows.
