Bangladesh Money Laundering Persists Despite Government Efforts

Money laundering from Bangladesh continues unabated, with funds being transferred abroad to purchase assets and invest in businesses through illegal means. Experts say identifying the sources and destinations of such funds is crucial, but also emphasize the need for a safe, profitable, and predictable investment environment at home.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), National Board of Revenue (NBR), and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have data showing that large-scale money laundering persisted during previous governments, including the current democratic government. According to a report by Global Financial Integrity (GFI), between 2013 and 2022, Bangladesh recorded around $68.30 billion in trade-related illicit financial flows.

The BFIU received 30,199 suspicious transaction reports in the 2024-25 fiscal year, an increase of 74 percent from the previous year. Officials said regulatory oversight has increased following the political change. The Swiss National Bank reported that Swiss banks held CHF 834.2 million in accounts in the names of Bangladeshi citizens and Bangladeshi banks in 2025.

Experts stress the need to strengthen the capacity, transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of agencies responsible for preventing money laundering. They also emphasize greater cooperation and coordination among the concerned agencies. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the government is taking measures to prevent money and capital from being transferred out of the country.