Returning the money alone is not sufficient

The cronyism entrenched by the previous Awami League government led to billions being siphoned out of Bangladesh—a fact that has been known for some time. However, only recently has the full extent of this culture’s integration into our governance come to light, revealing a disturbing picture of an administration that seemingly enabled financial misconduct among a privileged few.

In a recent interview with *The Financial Times*, the current Bangladesh Bank Governor, Ahsan H. Mansur, leveled serious accusations against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Mansur alleged that Hasina, in collaboration with the country’s military intelligence agency, facilitated the siphoning of $17 billion from the banking sector during her tenure.

Mansur claims that approximately Tk2,00,000 crore ($16.7 billion) was funneled out of Bangladesh through practices such as self-lending to newly installed bank shareholders and inflated import invoices. Particularly concerning is the alleged role of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, which is said to have played a central role in the forced takeovers of major banks.

These are serious accusations that demand accountability from those implicated.

Given the scale of funds misappropriated over the past 15 years, the interim government must pursue every avenue to recover each lost Taka and ensure that no state institution can ever again be manipulated by corporate interests.

Punishing those responsible for these massive financial losses is not enough; a strong message must be sent to deter any future attempts at such blatant criminal activity.