Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus has called for the return of billions of dollars in public funds allegedly embezzled during the tenure of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Addressing the nation on Wednesday (15 January), Yunus decried the scale of corruption that he claims left the country grappling with a financial deficit.

“The theft of billions of dollars in public funds has left Bangladesh with a significant financial deficit,” Yunus said. “The funds stolen from Bangladesh belong to its people. We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that justice is done.”

Hasina fled to India following a revolution in August 2024 that toppled her government. Bangladesh has since issued extradition requests for the former leader to face charges including mass murder and corruption, but India has not complied.

Border Tensions and High-Level Summons

Amid escalating diplomatic tensions, Bangladesh summoned the Indian High Commissioner on Wednesday over border disputes and to reinforce its demand for cooperation in extraditing Hasina.

ACC Investigation Targets Hasina’s Family

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has expanded its investigation to include members of Hasina’s family, notably her niece, British lawmaker and former UK Anti-Corruption Minister Tulip Siddiq. Siddiq resigned from her ministerial position on Tuesday, maintaining her innocence in connection with allegations of embezzlement and property misuse.
The ACC’s inquiry is focused on the alleged misappropriation of $5 billion tied to a Russian-funded nuclear power project and land-grab schemes near Dhaka.
A report by the British Sunday Times revealed that Siddiq resided in a London apartment owned by an offshore entity linked to Bangladeshi businessmen associated with Hasina’s government. The apartment was later gifted to a lawyer with close ties to the Hasina family.

Yunus Calls for Accountability

Interim leader Yunus urged Siddiq to reflect on her actions, stating, “Tulip Siddiq may not have fully understood the origins of the money and properties she enjoyed in London. However, now that she knows, she should seek forgiveness from the people of Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh’s Path to Justice

Yunus emphasized the government’s commitment to recovering stolen assets, asserting that corruption under Hasina’s administration disrupted the nation’s progress toward economic stability. “We expect these assets to be returned,” Yunus said.
As the ACC continues its probe, international attention remains focused on Bangladesh’s efforts to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability for past misdeeds.
 

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