Recovery of laundered money top priority, probes underway in 10 countries: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said recovering laundered money from abroad is the government's top priority. He stated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat corruption, money laundering and financial crimes.

He made the remarks while responding to supplementary questions in the National Parliament on Wednesday, April 1.

The first Prime Minister's Question Hour of the 13th National Parliament was held with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair.

The prime minister informed parliament that 10 countries have been initially identified for recovering laundered money. These countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong-China.

He said information exchange, asset identification and mutual legal assistance are being strengthened with these countries. Agreements have already been finalised with Malaysia, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, while processes with other countries are ongoing.

The prime minister said legal proceedings are underway in 11 priority cases to recover laundered money. These cases involve several influential individuals, including a former prime minister, and major industrial groups.

Eleven joint investigation teams led by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), comprising the CID of police, the Central Intelligence Cell of NBR and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate, are conducting investigations in these cases.

The prime minister informed parliament that assets worth approximately Tk 70,446 crore have been seized and frozen at home and abroad following court orders. Of this, assets worth around Tk 57,000 crore are in the country, while over Tk 13,000 crore are abroad.

A total of 141 cases have been filed regarding the recovery of laundered money. Charge sheets have been submitted in 15 cases, and verdicts have been delivered in six.

The prime minister said the government will follow the law in taking action against those involved in money laundering. He said various irregularities occurred in the past by disregarding the law, but the current government respects law and justice.

"Those who have laundered public money will be punished in accordance with existing laws," he said.

The prime minister said laundered money essentially belongs to the people. Therefore, recovering it and using it for the country's development and public welfare is one of the government's primary responsibilities.

In response to another question, the prime minister said the 'Family Card' programme is ensuring women's financial empowerment. The programme has already been launched in 15 wards across 13 districts, with over 37,000 women-headed families receiving allowances.

He said plans are in place to bring 40 million families under this programme over the next four years.

The prime minister also assured that this programme would not fuel inflation. He said the government is providing this support not by printing new money, but through proper management of existing resources. This money will be spent within the country, further strengthening the local economy.