Bangladesh freezes $6.2bn in Hasina assets

Bangladesh’s Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has frozen assets worth approximately $6.2 billion allegedly linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members and 10 major business groups. The action is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of illegal wealth accumulation, tax evasion and money laundering.

Officials said the investigation began in 2024 after Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh following nationwide student-led protests that led to the end of her government. Since then, financial investigators have been examining properties, bank accounts and business holdings connected to the former prime minister and individuals associated with her.

According to BFIU Director General Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun, the frozen assets include both domestic and overseas properties. He said authorities have acted after collecting evidence during a joint investigation into suspected financial irregularities. The probe covers allegations of illegally acquired wealth, tax evasion and the transfer of funds through money laundering schemes.

Officials revealed that assets worth around 57,000 crore taka have been frozen inside Bangladesh. Another 19,000 crore taka worth of assets located in foreign countries has also been identified and blocked. Authorities are now working with international partners to recover assets transferred abroad through legal channels.

Mamun said the investigation is based entirely on financial evidence and is not influenced by political considerations. He stressed that whenever suspicious financial transactions or evidence of money laundering are discovered, authorities immediately freeze the relevant bank accounts and assets in accordance with the law.

He also made it clear that the investigation applies equally to everyone. If any member of the current interim administration or any other influential individual is found involved in financial crimes, legal action will also be taken without exception.

The BFIU said a joint investigation team was formed during the interim government’s tenure to investigate Sheikh Hasina’s family and 10 industrial groups over allegations of illegal asset accumulation and financial misconduct. Investigators have already registered several legal cases based on the evidence collected during the inquiry.

Authorities said efforts are continuing to trace additional assets both inside and outside Bangladesh. The government is also seeking international legal assistance to recover funds and properties located overseas. Officials expressed optimism that meaningful progress in repatriating foreign assets could be achieved before the end of the year.