Government Seizes Assets Worth Tk 66,146 Crore Nationwide

The Government of Bangladesh has seized a total of Tk 66,146 crore in movable and immovable assets from various industrial groups, the Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday. Of this, assets valued at Tk 55,638 crore are located domestically, while assets worth Tk 10,508 crore have been identified abroad. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by the ministry.

According to ministry officials, attached assets are legally barred from sale or transfer by their owners, while seized assets cannot be withdrawn from banks by the concerned individuals. These measures form part of broader efforts to curb money laundering, prevent the financing of terrorism, and strengthen financial accountability.

The announcement followed the 30th meeting of the National Coordination Committee, convened at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed. During the meeting, officials outlined strategies to improve the recovery of assets transferred overseas. Proposals were also discussed to update provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012, making the law more effective in line with contemporary challenges.

Priority was given to expediting the filing of charge sheets in ongoing cases, ensuring that proceedings are concluded efficiently. Progress reports from joint investigation and inquiry teams overseeing 11 high-priority cases involving illicit funds and overseas assets were also reviewed during the session.

The committee further highlighted the importance of meeting international standards in preventing money laundering and terrorist financing. In this context, the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) is expected to conduct the fourth round of mutual evaluation for Bangladesh in 2027–28, an assessment the committee has deemed a high-priority task. Preparatory measures are to be implemented accordingly.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Principal Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Finance Secretary, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary for Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs, Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Foreign Secretary (Bilateral Affairs), Additional Attorney General, Chief of the CID, and representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bangladesh Police, and Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit.

Assets Seized by the Government

These measures reflect Bangladesh’s strengthened resolve against corruption, illicit financial flows, and terrorism financing, aiming to secure assets and maintain financial integrity both at home and abroad.