TBT DESK: Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur on Friday said recovering money laundered abroad is a complex process and may take up to a year, even though the government has made it a top priority to trace and seize assets siphoned abroad.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the media on "Anti-Money Laundering Measures and Contemporary Banking Issues" at the central bank's Chattogram office, he alleged that several families siphoned off between Tk 2.5 lakh crore and Tk 3 lakh crore over the past 15 years, during the tenure of the previous government.
"The government has set a target to seize these assets within the next six months to a year. Foreign investigative agencies and law enforcement are already working with us in this effort," the governor said.
He also said the country's overall economic indicators are showing signs of improvement. "Remittance inflow has increased by 26-27 %, exports are on the rise, and we now have reserves enough to cover four months of imports. Except for inflation, which has yet to come down to a desired level, we are in a comfortable position overall," he added.
The central bank chief also stressed that preventing money laundering is more crucial than recovering laundered funds. "That's why the government will reform the necessary laws," he said.
Asked whether any officials of Bangladesh Bank were involved in money laundering and actions taken against them, Dr Mansur said, "If there is concrete evidence against any official, legal action will be taken. Cases have already been filed against some individuals, and actions are being taken as per the law."
He added that if any government agency investigates a central bank official, Bangladesh Bank will cooperate fully.
The governor also responded to concerns raised over allegations that employees of the private United Commercial Bank (UCB) had Tk 3 to 5 lakh each deducted from their provident fund accounts for Mujib Borsho celebrations.
He said, "There were irregularities and corruption in many forms over the last 15 years. All such irregularities are being investigated. If any bank has unlawfully deducted money from employees, it will also be investigated."