https://www.dainikjalalabad.com/news/bangladesh/bangladesh-asset-seizure-money-laundering-investigation/story

Bangladesh has seized approximately Tk 2.75 lakh crore in assets, both movable and immovable, allegedly looted and smuggled abroad during the tenure of the previous Awami League government, according to officials.

The revelation came during a briefing by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur on Sunday (15th June). He stated that the recovery is part of a broader legal and financial campaign following the political transition on August 5.

Authorities claim the funds were laundered over the past 16 years by ruling party affiliates and business groups, with estimates placing the total above Tk 30 lakh crore. Some of the seized assets are reportedly linked to the Sheikh Hasina family and at least ten influential business conglomerates who fled the country after August.

Legal proceedings under review for criminal or civil path

Dr. Mansur explained that decisions are pending on whether to pursue criminal or civil charges related to the asset recovery. The approach, he said, will depend on the strength of evidence and the nature of each case.

“In criminal cases, you need far more detailed proof. Witnesses, documents, and legal confidence that a verdict can be secured,” he told reporters. “If that threshold isn’t met, then civil litigation becomes more practical — arguing simply that the money or property was taken and must be returned.”

He singled out frozen assets in the UK, naming Salman F Rahman — a former adviser to the Prime Minister — and ex-land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury as being tied to the holdings.

Prosecutors are now going through the evidence to figure out whether the accusations can hold up under international law before taking things further.

Foreign cooperation increasing, focus on UK and US

Efforts to recover stolen wealth are also receiving support from foreign audit firms and asset-tracing agencies, some of which have agreed to invest between 50 to 100 million US dollars of their own resources to assist in the process.

Dr. Mansur said legal cooperation with the UK is showing promising signs.

“Our discussions with the UK have been particularly deep at the technical level,” he said. “They’re helping us with document preparation and technical guidance. They’re clearly willing to cooperate.”

When asked about other countries, he acknowledged the process will be more difficult.

“We haven’t sent out many mutual legal assistance requests yet,” he said. “But talks are ongoing. Every country is at a different stage of engagement.”

The United States, he added, is also part of the early dialogue and seen as another potential focal point for repatriation.

Next steps pending political and legal consensus

While the initial seizures have been made, questions remain about the timeline and scope of full asset recovery. Much of it will hinge on coordination between prosecutors, legal teams, and international authorities.

There’s also the political question. Will the government treat these cases as criminal misconduct or financial disputes?

Either way, the scale of the operation suggests a long road ahead. While billions remain frozen, only a small portion has made its way back so far.

At this stage, the government seems to be gearing up for a long and complicated legal battle — one that could stretch on for years. The next steps are likely to begin in the coming weeks.