Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur is collaborating with UK authorities to recover billions in stolen assets, as investigations reveal that associates of the former regime invested lavishly in London. Mansur faces a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining his reputation while pursuing accountability for bank funds misappropriated over years. He emphasizes the necessity of evidence in securing asset freezes, while expressing cautious optimism about the future following the recent regime change in Bangladesh.
The Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Ahsan Mansur, is collaborating with UK authorities to recover billions of dollars reportedly stolen from Bangladesh over the last 15 years. Recent investigations by various news organizations have revealed that associates of the former regime have invested substantial amounts in London real estate. Mansur’s efforts have incited a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining his authority before his arrival in London, highlighting an attempt to distract from his mission to reclaim stolen assets.
During his recent London visit, Mansur held discussions with various stakeholders, including Foreign Office minister Catherine West and legal experts, to pursue recovery of the funds diverted from Bangladesh’s banking system under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime. He articulated that the campaign to discredit him is orchestrated by those implicated in the asset misappropriation. He stated, “The asset recovery effort … is to go after those people who have diverted massive amounts of resources from Bangladesh and, in particular, from the banking system.”
Mansur also responded to criticisms concerning his family’s wealth, asserting that his daughter’s American citizenship plays a role in her financial independence from his investigations. The accusations directed at Mansur appeared to be based on false profiles and suggested his family was implicated in the wealth he was scrutinizing. Mansur remains focused on recovering funds from corrupt individuals rather than engaging in disputes about personal matters. He emphasized, “My primary target is those who have looted my banks.”
Despite the U.S. government’s reduction of foreign aid complicating Bangladesh’s financial recovery, the UK is positioned as a critical ally in this asset recovery endeavor. Mansur acknowledged that London is a favored destination for corrupt elites, stating, “It’s one of the favoured destinations for these kleptocrats, not just from Bangladesh but from other countries.”
Efforts to retrieve stolen assets are further encouraged by British law enforcement agencies, which are collaborating with Mansur’s team in Dhaka. He recently convened a summit of legal experts and asset trackers eager to participate in the recovery effort. Mansur recognized the complexities of navigating this process, noting that success in the UK could pave the way for similar efforts in other jurisdictions. He believes the legal framework in Britain presents a robust opportunity for action against kleptocracy.
Back in Bangladesh, authorities are working to secure judicial rulings against prominent figures accused of financial misconduct. Mansur plans to initiate requests for asset freezes in the UK as part of the sanctions process. He understands that comprehensive evidence gathering is essential for the international community’s ability to trace, freeze, and restore misappropriated assets.
Mansur remarked on the urgency of this mission, emphasizing the need to address the financial losses to the public and stabilize the banking system. His return from retirement, at the age of 74, was driven by a sense of responsibility to contribute to Bangladesh’s future. Reflecting on historical political dynamics, he expressed relief at the recent regime change and optimism for better governance ahead, stating, “I never thought I’d see this revolution in my lifetime” and noting that economic mismanagement had set the stage for the regime’s downfall.
In conclusion, Ahsan Mansur’s initiatives to recover substantial misappropriated assets from the UK represent a crucial effort to address corruption in Bangladesh. His collaborations with foreign officials and legal experts underscore the international dimension of this recovery process. Concurrently, he remains resolute in his claims against misinformation campaigns and emphasizes his focus on returning stolen funds to their rightful owners. The ongoing support from UK authorities is pivotal in ensuring that justice prevails, leading to a more stable economic future for Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
