DHAKA, Aug 17, 2025 (BSS) - Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has found Taka 40,000 crore assets, which were built in different countries of the world by siphoning off money from Bangladesh.

The stolen assets were found by conducting searches in seven cities of five countries since January this year, CIC Director General Ahsan Habib told Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus here today.

NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan and the CIC Director General disclosed this information to the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna here.

Besides, 352 passports were found in nine countries, which were acquired by some Bangladeshis in exchange of money.

The countries are Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, North Macedonia, Malta, Saint Lucia and Turkey.

Ahsan Habib said after initial preparations based on information received from various sources, CIC detectives visited the countries on the spots and collected detailed information in this regard.

Noting that further investigations are underway, he said, "So far, 346 properties have been found that were built by laundering money from Bangladesh in the name of individuals and organisations. This is a partial picture of our investigation."

He said the CIC is working to seize these properties and bring back those to Bangladesh's favour and ensure the punishment of those involved in money laundering. Habib said more than six international organisations are assisting Bangladesh in this process.

He said: "What we have found so far is the tip of the iceberg. We still have a lot of information that needs more time to uncover."

Ahsan Habib said the people involved in money laundering had erased a lot of information by appointing their own people in the Central Bank Database (CBS) control process during the Sheikh Hasina's regime, and it is a matter of hope that the CIC has gained expertise in recovering deleted information.

Later, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus said proper measures should be taken in coordination with the ACC, CIC, CID and other relevant authorities to identify those involved in money laundering and bring them to justice. 

He said an example should be set up so that none can loot the country's money and create assets abroad in future.

Instructing the CIC to continue its investigation, the Chief Adviser said the probe should go as deep as possible and expand to more countries as possible.

He assured that the government will fully cooperate with all possible steps to bring back the country's assets.

Terming this looting of the country's economic sector a terrible act of treason, Prof Yunus said, "If we want to build a beautiful country for future generations, these looters must be brought to justice."

He said the way some people have looted the country's resources must be exposed to the nation. So, all relevant organisations must work together to this end, he added.