The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has uncovered nearly Tk 400 billion worth of smuggled assets abroad. So far, investigations in seven cities across five countries have identified 346 properties and 352 passports obtained in nine countries. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in siphoning off wealth, and efforts will be made to bring back the assets.
The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has unearthed new information on massive amounts of wealth laundered abroad. Preliminary investigations revealed that nearly Tk 400 billion worth of assets have been smuggled and invested in seven cities across five countries.
On Sunday (17 August), NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan and CIC Director General Ahsan Habib presented the findings before Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna.
Investigations further revealed that some Bangladeshis have obtained 352 foreign passports in exchange for money from Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, North Macedonia, Malta, St. Lucia, and Turkey.
According to Ahsan Habib, preliminary data was gathered domestically before CIC intelligence officers visited the countries in person to verify details. So far, 346 properties under individual and institutional names have been identified, which he described as only a partial picture. He added that CIC is working to confiscate and repatriate these assets, while ensuring punishment for those involved. More than six international organizations are currently assisting Bangladesh in this effort.
He further noted that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, individuals aligned with money launderers had been placed in the central bank’s database control system to erase sensitive information. However, CIC has now developed the expertise to recover much of the deleted data.
Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stressed that offenders must be identified and brought under the law through coordinated action by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), CIC, CID, and other relevant agencies. He emphasized: “We must set an example so that no one in the future dares to loot the nation’s wealth and build fortunes abroad.”
Calling this plundering of resources an act of grave treason, he said that the looters must be exposed before the nation, so that a just and accountable system can be built for future generations.
