Bangladesh seizes US$6.2 billion in assets tied to ousted PM Hasina

Bangladesh authorities have confiscated assets valued at roughly US$6.2 billion that are linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her relatives, and 10 major business entities. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit announced the seizure of 760 billion taka in total assets, comprising 570 billion taka within Bangladesh and an additional 190 billion taka held overseas.

Since Hasina's ouster in a 2024 student-led uprising, authorities have been investigating her wealth and that of her associates, who are accused of profiting during her 15-year tenure. The Financial Intelligence Unit has initiated 98 cases as part of these investigations, with a focus on recovering money laundered abroad. The agency's chief expressed optimism about sharing positive developments regarding recovery efforts by the end of the year.

“

We are still working to recover the money laundered overseas. We hope to share positive developments by the end of this year.

Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 after being toppled, has faced multiple convictions in absentia. These include corruption charges related to property allocations in Dhaka and a death sentence for crimes against humanity. The Home Minister stated that the government is pursuing her extradition to face justice, and the court's verdict will be implemented, with any appeal scope to be decided by the court.

“

The verdict will be implemented. The court will decide whether there is any scope for an appeal.