Bangladesh has seized assets worth $6.2 billion (approximately 760 billion taka) linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to Bangladeshi authorities, the seized assets are associated with Sheikh Hasina, her family, and 10 business groups.
Officials said that assets belonging to Sheikh Hasina both inside Bangladesh and abroad have been confiscated.
Bangladeshi media reported that authorities began investigating Sheikh Hasina’s assets in 2024 after she was removed from power following a student-led mass movement and fled to India. Investigations were also launched into her close relatives and major business groups accused of benefiting disproportionately during her 15-year tenure in office.
According to the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), assets worth 570 billion taka within Bangladesh and an additional 190 billion taka abroad have been seized.
BFIU chief Akhtar Mohammad Mamun said that 98 cases have so far been registered against Sheikh Hasina and individuals linked to her as part of the ongoing investigations. He added that efforts to recover funds transferred overseas are continuing, expressing hope that significant progress would be made before the end of this year.
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It is noteworthy that investigations into Sheikh Hasina’s assets have been underway since 2024. Following her removal from office, she has been convicted in absentia in multiple cases, including receiving a death sentence in a case related to crimes against humanity.
Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since fleeing Bangladesh in August 2024. She recently said that she intends to return to Bangladesh before the end of this year.
The Bangladeshi government has also requested India to extradite Sheikh Hasina.
Two days ago, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obaid Islam, told journalists that Sheikh Hasina is a convicted criminal. She said that if Sheikh Hasina surrenders to the authorities, legal action will be taken against her in accordance with Bangladeshi law. Upon her return, she will be sent to jail, after which further judicial proceedings will continue under the law.
