Bangladesh’s Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur is working with UK authorities to recover billions misappropriated over 15 years from the country’s banking system. Despite facing a disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting him, Mansur remains focused on tracing stolen funds, particularly those linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime. He emphasizes the need for legal actions in the UK to combat corruption and stabilize Bangladesh’s economy.
Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur is actively collaborating with UK authorities to recover billions of dollars misappropriated from Bangladesh’s banking system over the past 15 years. His efforts have attracted significant attention, including an insidious disinformation campaign aimed at undermining his credibility. While in London, Mansur has met with Foreign Office minister Catherine West, NGOs, and legal experts, all dedicated to tracing these lost funds.
Mansur’s mission targets individuals who have allegedly siphoned substantial resources from Bangladesh’s banks, specifically during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Despite attempts to discredit him, which included emails sent to members of parliament with unfounded accusations, Mansur remains focused. He stated, “The asset recovery effort … is to go after those people who have diverted massive amounts of resources from Bangladesh.”
The UK has become a focal point for this investigation, as some associates of the Hasina regime are believed to have invested heavily in London real estate, making it a favourite destination for illicit wealth. Mansur expressed frustration, noting that little has been repatriated from Britain back to Bangladesh. However, he acknowledged the UK’s support in recovering these misappropriated assets and emphasized the complexity of such tasks.
Recently, Mansur convened a meeting with numerous law firms and asset recovery specialists, further highlighting the international interest in this matter. “We consider that British law has a lot of strong provisions against these kinds of activities,” he remarked. He hopes for successful legal action in the UK, which could set vital precedents for similar cases elsewhere.
As the Bangladeshi authorities intensify efforts to secure legal judgments against corrupt business and political figures, Mansur plans to formally petition the British government for asset freezing orders. He underscored the importance of these actions for the country’s long-term economic stability, stating, “This is the money of the common people who deposited [it] in banks and it’s being taken out with complete disregard to the law of the land.”
Despite health concerns due to his demanding schedule, Mansur remains committed to his cause. He previously declined an offer to govern under Hasina, sensing that he would quickly be dismissed. Reflecting on the recent political changes, he expressed surprise at the regime’s rapid downfall and acknowledged that its economic mismanagement was unsustainable.
In conclusion, Ahsan Mansur is at the forefront of a significant movement to recover funds unlawfully embezzled from Bangladesh’s banks. His collaboration with UK authorities demonstrates a commitment to accountability and economic reform. The ongoing efforts, amid challenges such as disinformation campaigns, reflect the importance of international cooperation in addressing corruption and ensuring the financial stability of Bangladesh. Mansur’s determination, despite health issues and past political barriers, signifies a crucial moment for Bangladesh’s governance and citizen welfare.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
