The money held by Bangladeshis in Swiss banks increased by nearly 42 per cent in 2025. Now the total is 834.16 million Swiss francs, or around Tk 12,751 crore. The sudden surge has raised fears that the rich are quietly moving their money out of the country.
This is a huge increase from previous years, the Swiss National Bank said. Interestingly, while neighbouring countries like India and Pakistan saw their citizens’ Swiss bank savings drop, Bangladesh’s numbers went in the opposite direction. Experts believe figures tied to the previous government might be moving their wealth abroad to protect it during recent political changes and a weak local currency.
A recent economic report revealed a much bigger problem: between 2009 and 2023, an eye-watering $234 billion flowed out of Bangladesh. The money often ends up in tax havens, the UK, the US, and the Middle East.
However, experts point out that not all the money sitting in Switzerland is illegal. A good chunk of it belongs to legitimate businesses, international traders, and ordinary Bangladeshis living abroad. Still, the sharp rise points to shady practices like tax evasion and money laundering.
Recovering stolen wealth is notoriously difficult, with a global success rate of just 2 per cent. Experts note that today’s financial rule-breakers often prefer moving cash through Dubai or Singapore rather than Switzerland.
To stop this financial drain, economists say Bangladesh must act quickly. The country needs tougher financial watchdogs, stricter checks on cross-border trade, and strong agreements with foreign governments to finally track down the hidden cash.
