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Dhaka, June 10, 2025: Three organizations—Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Spotlight on Corruption, and Transparency International UK—have jointly called on the UK government to take effective measures to seize and return illicit assets laundered from Bangladesh. The call was made in a statement on Tuesday (June 10) during the state visit of Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, to the UK.
The organizations urged the UK to impose sanctions on suspected Bangladeshi oligarchs involved in corruption and to strengthen efforts by law enforcement agencies to recover assets laundered into the country. TIB’s Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, emphasized, “The UK’s role is crucial in supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition and accountable governance. Recovering laundered funds is essential to aid the government’s fight against corruption.”
Susan Hawley, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption, stressed the need for immediate action, stating, “The UK government must act swiftly to seize illicit funds from Bangladesh and enforce stricter legal measures.” Duncan Hames, Policy Director at Transparency International UK, warned that failing to investigate and seize £400 million in illicit assets linked to allies of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would undermine the UK’s commitment to combating money laundering.
Investigations by The Observer and Transparency International UK revealed properties worth at least £400 million owned by Sheikh Hasina’s associates in the UK. The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has already seized assets worth £90 million.
Professor Muhammad Yunus has pledged to eradicate corruption and recover billions of pounds laundered during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year regime. According to a white paper commission formed by the Bangladesh government, approximately $234 billion was siphoned off from the country between 2009 and 2023 at a rate of $16 billion annually. The British High Commissioner has assured full cooperation in restoring peace and ensuring accountability, while the UK Foreign Secretary has firmly stated that “the golden era of money laundering is over.”
AI/MR
