Govt prioritising recovery of laundered funds: Salehuddin

Finance and Commerce Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed emphasised that the interim government is prioritising the recovery of funds laundered from the country.

“Efforts are already underway, with a task force and a dedicated committee established to manage the process,” he said during a press interaction following a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Government Procurement at the Secretariat.

He highlighted the need for technical assistance in retrieving the funds, adding that the Governor of the Bangladesh Bank has traveled to Washington to seek such support.

“We are also planning to gather more assistance from international sources. However, gathering comprehensive information about the smuggled funds is essential,” the finance adviser stated.

When asked about a recent proposal by political leaders made during discussions with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus regarding the formation of a commission to recover funds smuggled during the Awami League’s tenure, Salehuddin Ahmed declined to comment.

Regarding the timeline for the return of the funds, he explained that since the funds were laundered over an extended period, it is difficult to provide a precise date for their recovery.

He, however, reassured the press that the work had already started.

On market stability, he acknowledged that while the import of eggs helped ease the market, the vegetable market still remained volatile.

“Vegetables are seasonal, but we expect stability soon, not only in the vegetable market but across all commodities,” he remarked.

The government expanded open-market sales through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) and is also encouraging private organisations to engage in these efforts.