The interim govt is set to introduce a special law by next week aimed at accelerating efforts to recover billions of dollars allegedly siphoned off from Bangladesh to foreign countries. In the absence of aparliament session, the law will be enacted through an ordinance, said chief adviser Yunus Muhammad’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam.
Referring to govt’s white paper on the state of the economy, Alam said approximately $234 billion was siphoned off during the Hasina administration from 2009 to 2024. Additionally, an estimated $17 billion was stolen from the banking system. He added, govt is currently investigating 11 prominent individuals and companies, including former PM Hasina and her family members.
A meeting was held with the 11-member task force, which was established in Sept last year. According to Alam, the task force has already engaged with around 200 law firms and may enter agreements with about 30 internationally known firms to expedite the recovery process.
Yunus’s special assistant ‘asked to’ resign
Muhammad Yunus’ special assistant M Aminul Islam resigned from his position on Monday, reportedly after being “asked to do so” by the chief adviser’s office. Aminul was tasked with assisting the education adviser. Meanwhile, the govt appointed Anisuzzaman Chowdhury as a special assistant to the chief adviser, who will oversee issues tied to the finance ministry, and his status will be that of a state minister.