“Bringing back money smuggled abroad is a complex and difficult process. However, the government is firm on this matter. Recently, the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, has called upon expatriates to cooperate in the process of bringing this money back.
The Governor stated that legal steps have been taken to recover the laundered money, and the process of seizing assets in the countries where the money was smuggled is ongoing. Although it may not be possible to fully conclude these legal proceedings during the current government’s tenure, he assured that the process will be advanced through accountability.
Information by Ashik Islam
On Thursday, at an exchange meeting with various exchanges, customers, and expatriates organized by Janata Bank and Islami Bank in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr. Mohammad H. Mansur, sought the cooperation of expatriates to recover the laundered money.
The government is working on this issue with utmost importance, and the cooperation of expatriates can play a crucial role in this process. Through this initiative, the government aims to strengthen the country’s economy by bringing back the money smuggled abroad and, at the same time, send a strong message against the smugglers.”
Also present at the time were the Ambassador of Bangladesh to the UAE, Md. Tareq Ahmed; the Consul General of Bangladesh Consulate in Dubai, Muhammad Rashed-uz-zaman; the Managing Director of Janata Bank, Md. Mojibul Haque; and the Managing Director of Islami Bank Bangladesh, Md. Omar Farooq.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan said, “We are already moving forward in the right direction, i.e., legally, to bring back the laundered money. We have spoken with at least 50 law firms worldwide. During this visit, we have spoken with 25 law firms in Dubai. Discussions have been held with high-ranking government officials of the Emirates. We are receiving cooperation after discussions with America, Singapore, Malaysia, and Dubai.”
He said, “Recovering the money is not easy, but it is possible. We are starting the process, and progress is being made. We are hopeful that the next government will maintain this continuity. However, in this case, expatriates need to create public opinion so that the next government does not stop this initiative.”
The Governor said, “Expatriates’ remittances are playing an important role in the country’s economy. Therefore, we will do whatever is necessary regarding the interests of expatriates.”
At this time, Ambassador Muhammad Tareq Ahmed said, “The fragile economy of the last nine months has been stabilized. The role of expatriates in this is immense.”
The Consul General said, “If the charge for sending remittances by expatriates is waived or reduced, it may further accelerate the flow of remittances.”
During this time, community leaders and expatriates from various professions expressed their opinions regarding harassment at the airport, action against loan defaulters, and state subsidies for remittance transfer charges. The expatriates also praised such initiatives by Janata and Islami Banks.
