Bangladesh Demands Return of Stolen Assets Amid Corruption Probe

DHAKA, Jan 17 (Alliance News): Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, on Wednesday called for the return of billions in stolen assets, accusing the ousted government of Sheikh Hasina of unprecedented corruption.

Hasina, 77, fled to India in August 2024 following a revolution. She has since rejected extradition requests from Bangladesh, where she faces charges including mass murder. Yunus highlighted the dire financial consequences of the theft, stating, “The stolen funds have not only robbed the people of Bangladesh but have also derailed the country’s economic progress.”

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating Hasina, her family, and associates, including her niece Tulip Siddiq, a former British anti-corruption minister who resigned on Tuesday. Siddiq denied any wrongdoing but faces allegations linked to embezzlement from a $5 billion Russian-funded nuclear project and illicit property deals in London.

A Sunday Times investigation revealed Siddiq lived in a London flat tied to an offshore company connected to Hasina’s associates. The property and others were allegedly linked to Awami League members. Yunus urged Siddiq to acknowledge her involvement, stating, “Now that she knows, she should seek forgiveness from the people of Bangladesh.”

The interim government vowed to work with international partners to recover the stolen assets and restore financial stability to Bangladesh.