Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. Photo : Collected

 
DHAKA, Jan 11, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur 
today announced that the interim government will hire foreign lawyers to 
recover funds siphoned abroad, offering commissions as incentives for 
retrieving large amounts.

"Money had been siphoned abroad, and we are now working with foreign entities 
to retrieve it. We are hiring international lawyers to recover the (stolen) 
funds, he said. 

The governor added that compliance with global laws is crucial in these 
efforts.
 
The governor made these remarks during the inaugural session of the year-long 
"Branding Bangladesh" World Conference Series-2025, organised by the Center 
for Non-Resident Bangladeshis, the event also included the launch of the Bank 
Remittance Award ceremony at a city hotel.

Dr. Mansur revealed a major case of money laundering involving US$20 billion 
siphoned abroad by a Chattogram-based entity, describing it as one of the 
largest instances in the country's history.

"We are collaborating with international authorities, including the FBI, to 
recover these funds. Foreign organisations have expressed their willingness 
to assist," he said, stressing the importance of global cooperation.

The governor highlighted recent improvements in the banking sector, noting 
that remittance inflows have grown by an average of 26 percent over the past 
six months, amounting to 3 billion US dollars.

Besides, he said, exports have reached US$2.5 billion during the same period. 
He emphasized ongoing efforts to create a favorable environment for economic 
growth.

Dr. Mansur pointed out that money laundering has been significantly curbed 
due to better governance.
 
"Previously, funds were laundered even from Dubai. Now, with improved 
governance, we have managed to prevent such incidents. Incentives are being 
provided to expatriates for sending remittances," he said.

However, he cautioned that bureaucratic hurdles must be minimized to ensure 
steady growth in remittances.
 
He also underscored the need for direct remittance channels, noting that 
funds from Saudi Arabia often pass through Dubai before reaching Bangladesh.

"If people have confidence in banks, the sector will recover," Dr. Mansur 
added.

He commended the 2.5 percent incentive on remittances sent through banking 
channels, which has bolstered inflows despite political uncertainties.
 
The BB governor reiterated the importance of transparency in financial 
systems and combating money laundering to ensure sustainable economic growth.

He further stressed the need to enhance workforce skills to maximize 
remittance inflows, expressing optimism that proper governance and 
international collaboration could help achieve these goals.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain attended the event as the chief 
guest while the Chairperson of the Center for NRBs MS Shekil Chowdhury 
presided over the session.