Dhaka, March 11, 2025 — In a decisive move to combat rampant corruption and stabilize the nation’s economy, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has announced plans to enact a special law that will streamline and accelerate the recovery of billions of dollars allegedly laundered during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The forthcoming legislation will be designed to track, seize, and repatriate illicitly transferred wealth, marking one of the most ambitious anti-corruption initiatives in the country’s history.
Special Law to Target Corruption and Money Laundering
Speaking to the media, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized that recovering stolen public funds is crucial for reviving Bangladesh’s economy, which has been battered by political instability and financial irregularities.
“We are working on enacting a special law to recover the money siphoned out of the country over the past years. This will be a transparent process, and we will ensure that no corrupt individual escapes justice,” Yunus stated.
The interim government plans to establish a fast-track mechanism under this law to pursue both domestic and international assets suspected of being obtained through corruption. Legal experts and investigators from international bodies are expected to assist in tracing laundered funds hidden in offshore accounts and foreign properties.
Focus on High-Profile Corruption Cases
The interim government has identified high-profile figures and close associates of the previous Awami League government as key targets in this recovery mission. Investigative agencies are already compiling evidence against individuals and corporations implicated in financial misappropriation, illegal wealth accumulation, and offshore money laundering.
Sources close to the administration indicate that the amount laundered could exceed several billion dollars, much of it allegedly stashed in tax havens and foreign investments.
Economic Implications and Public Confidence
Experts believe that recovering even a fraction of these funds could significantly improve Bangladesh’s economic standing, helping to replenish foreign reserves, reduce public debt, and fund social welfare and development projects.
Moreover, public confidence in governance—badly eroded by years of alleged cronyism and corruption under Sheikh Hasina’s administration—could be restored through visible action against economic crimes.
“This law will be a turning point for Bangladesh. People want to see real accountability, and recovery of stolen wealth will show that we are serious about reforms,” said an official from the interim government’s legal advisory board.
International Collaboration for Asset Recovery
The interim administration is also in the process of negotiating cooperation agreements with foreign governments and international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to ensure smooth asset tracing and repatriation.
Several mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs) may also be invoked to help Bangladesh gain access to bank records and property registries abroad, particularly in countries where Bangladeshi elites are suspected of holding assets.
Sheikh Hasina’s Regime Under Scrutiny
The move comes amid ongoing investigations into the widespread corruption allegations that contributed to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government, which was forced out of office following massive student-led protests and public outrage over governance failures.
Yunus and his interim cabinet are positioning this initiative as a central pillar of their mandate to clean up the system before the fresh national elections scheduled later in 2025 or 2026.
Conclusion:
With the announcement of this landmark anti-corruption initiative, Bangladesh’s interim government has signaled its resolve to break the cycle of impunity for financial crimes. As the nation awaits further details on the law’s framework and execution, all eyes will be on Muhammad Yunus and his team to deliver justice and restore integrity to Bangladesh’s political and financial systems.
