Nathalie Chuard Reports are rife about huge fund outflow and parking of the money in tax havens like Switzerland but Bangladesh has yet to request the Swiss government for specific findings thereon.
Swiss envoy in Dhaka Nathalie Chuard said so Wednesday when asked whether Switzerland would provide intelligence about money laundered into Swiss banks by Bangladeshis.
She also made it clear that any estimate based on the report of the National Swiss Bank about the black money deposited by Bangladeshis with the Swiss banks is purely speculative.
The diplomat made the observations while talking to journalists at DCAB Talks organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents' Association of Bangladesh (DCAB) in Dhaka.
The report of the Swiss National Bank provides data on funds deposited by Bangladeshis with banks inside Switzerland and also in the Swiss banks abroad, she said, adding that deposit made by any individual represents only one aspect of the valid sources of public and private funds.
"So, on the basis of this report of the Swiss National Bank, no conclusion can be drawn on the value of the private deposits from the Bangladeshi customers in Swiss banks nor the tax nature of any of such funds originating from Bangladesh," the envoy explains.
She also said the Swiss National Bank report does not say whether any individual deposit is illicit or not.
The envoy notes that over the years the Swiss banking system has made a string of reforms on issues related to illicit money transfers, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering.
The Swiss financial centres are most renowned and internationally connected, and like in any other financial centres there are risks for abuse, she said, mentioning that the Swiss banks have been working constantly to mitigate these risks and contributed to setting international standards.
She feels that Bangladesh and Switzerland can have some agreement to exchange information on capital flight.
"We have provided Bangladesh government with all information on how to make these agreements," she told the journalists.
"Switzerland is not safe haven for corrupt money,'" the Swiss envoy asserted, adding that the idea that Swiss banks allowing black money to come to Switzerland is not correct.
On bilateral ties, she said Switzerland has proven to be a committed, effective and innovative development partner, investing over US$1.0 billion in international cooperation in this country in the last five decades.
"Last December, we launched our new country programme for the years 2022-2025. This plan is fully aligned with the Agenda 2030 - that both our countries have embraced - and also Bangladesh's development priorities," she added.
Altogether, over the next four years, Switzerland will invest about US$130 million or BDT 1250 crore, the envoy informed and enumerated the goals.
"Our overall goal is to support a sustainable LDC graduation, promote a more prosperous, just and resilient society, and contribute to peaceful coexistence.
"We also work on critical issues such as climate change, human rights, gender equality and women's economic and political empowerment - just to name a few."
She also mentions that innovation has been a feature of their broader engagement with Bangladesh and they are now exploring alternative financing options to address social and environmental issues.
Ms Chuard sees the Rohingya crisis as a challenge for the refugees, the host communities, and Bangladesh, and that since 2017, Switzerland has been engaged with Bangladesh and with international community.
"Besides being one of the highest per-capita contributors, we remain committed to supporting refugees and host communities until a sustainable, voluntary, safe and dignified return is possible," she says.
"It is, therefore, essential, under the current circumstances, to keep hopes alive and provide Rohingya with education and livelihood opportunities."
She praised the economic progress achieved by Bangladesh in recent years and suggested further improvement in the investment climate.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
