DHAKA: Authorities in Bangladesh have announced the seizure of assets totaling approximately 760 billion taka (around $6.2 billion) linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family, and ten prominent business conglomerates, officials revealed Wednesday.
Since Sheikh Hasina was ousted during a student-led uprising in 2024 and subsequently sought refuge in India, investigations have been ongoing into her wealth and the assets of her relatives and associated business entities, accused of profiting during her 15-year tenure characterized by strong centralized control.
The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) disclosed that it has confiscated 570 billion taka within Bangladesh, with an additional 190 billion taka believed to be held overseas.
During a press briefing outlining the agency’s annual activities, Director Ikhtiar Mohammad Mamun stated that 98 cases had been initiated as part of the probe into Hasina and her affiliates.
“Our ongoing efforts include tracking and recovering assets laundered abroad,” Mamun said. “We anticipate sharing significant progress by the end of this year.”
Since her departure, Sheikh Hasina has been convicted in absentia on multiple charges, including corruption related to land allocations in a high-end neighborhood of Dhaka. She also faces a death sentence issued over crimes against humanity.
Currently residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024, Hasina recently indicated her intention to return before the year’s end.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that the government, which has formally requested her extradition, is committed to ensuring her return to face legal proceedings.
“The court’s verdict will be enforced accordingly. Any potential appeals will be addressed as per legal procedures,” he affirmed.
