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HC seeks list of money launderers

FE REPORT | March 01, 2021 00:00:00


The High Court on Sunday wanted to know the names of Bangladeshi nationals who have laundered and deposited money in foreign banks including those in Switzerland and what steps have been taken to bring back that money.

The High Court bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Mohi Uddin Shamim passed the order after holding hearing on a petition filed in this regard.

The court also issued ruling over the issue, asking the respondents to explain as to why their failure and inaction to arrange for recovery of a large amount of money laundered by Bangladeshi citizens or companies which secreted and deposited in foreign banks, particularly in Swiss banks should not be declared illegal.

In the ruling, it also wanted to know from the respondents as to why a direction should not be given to launch immediate probe into Bangladeshi companies and citizens disclosed in the Panama and Paradise Papers leaks and report compliance of the progress before the court in every month.

Besides, the court wanted to know as to why a direction should not be issued to form a special investigation team to monitor, observe and control all issues relating to existing or previous money laundering and terrorist financing by Bangladeshi citizens or companies.

The finance secretary, PMO secretary, commerce secretary, foreign secretary, home secretary, law secretary, ACC, Bangladesh Bank governor, IGP and other respondents have been asked to comply with the order within four weeks. The court fixed March 30 for further hearing on the issue.

Petitioners Barrister Abdul Kaiyum Khan and Advocate Subir Nandi Das appeared in the court in support of the petition.

Attorney general AM Amin Uddin and deputy attorney general AKM Amin Uddin Manik appeared for the state. Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan represented the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The petition was filed with the High Court on February 01 this year, seeking its directives upon the respondents to take appropriate steps for bringing back the laundered money from foreign banks including Swiss banks.

During hearing on Sunday, ACC counsel Khurshid Alam Khan told the court that an investigation is underway into the activities of the persons whose names appeared in the Panama and Paradise papers.

The lawyer said the ACC has adopted an action plan to bring back the money from Swiss banks. All concerned including ministries of foreign affairs and home affairs, immigration police and BFIU have been informed about plan, he added.

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