Begum Para: Yunus requests Canada's assistance in retrieving stolen funds

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus urged Canada’s assistance in recovering funds illicitly transferred from Bangladesh and invested in Toronto’s "Begum Para" neighborhood. During a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna with Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, Yunus emphasized that the stolen money rightfully belongs to the Bangladeshi people.  

He accused oligarchs, cronies, and politicians linked to Sheikh Hasina’s regime of siphoning off hundreds of billions of dollars from Bangladesh, with a portion laundered to Canada to purchase assets. Seeking Canada’s cooperation, Yunus called for identifying, freezing, and recovering these funds.  

High Commissioner Singh acknowledged the efforts of the Yunus-led interim government to reclaim the stolen assets and assured Canada’s support. He noted that Canada has a mechanism to freeze illicit funds upon receiving an official request from the interim government.  

Additionally, Singh expressed Canada’s willingness to support Bangladesh’s transition to democracy and reform initiatives. "We support the great things you are doing. We appreciate the progress and are eager to assist," he said. He also highlighted Canada’s interest in expanding trade and investment in Bangladesh, revealing that a Canadian minister would soon visit Dhaka for discussions.  

Recalling his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the UN General Assembly in New York, Yunus emphasized the need for increased Canadian investment. "Bangladesh is open for business. We want to expand trade with Canada and encourage Canadian companies to relocate their factories to Bangladesh," he stated.  

He also urged Ottawa to establish a visa office in Dhaka, considering the growing number of Bangladeshis living and studying in Canada.  

Senior Secretary and Principal Coordinator of SDGs Affairs, Lamiya Morshed, also attended the meeting.