Govt seeks UK support to bring laundered money back

Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Wednesday sought the support of the United Kingdom to bring back the money laundered from Bangladesh and run the economy that was left in fragile condition by the past autocratic regime.

“Laundered money has gone from our land to your land... we want that money back to run our economy,” Mahfuj told British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke when the latter met him at his office in Tejgaon.

Mahfuj raised the issue of a fresh travel alert that drew widespread attention on Tuesday with the British envoy, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

High Commissioner Cooke cited a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office report to assure the adviser that the UK constantly reviews travel advice for each country to ensure it includes up to date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living here.

Mahfuj explained to the High Commissioner the efforts of the government to create a national consensus on various issues, including the election process.

“It’s our revolution, and we have to protect it,” he said.

“The ideals of the July Revolution were basically dignity. Bangladeshi people did not have dignity for many years. So, they have kind of an emotional attachment to this revolution. They also fought for equality and justice,” Mahfuj said.

High Commissioner Cooke highlighted the challenges ahead of the interim government and the UK support to the interim government’s work to create a pathway to an inclusive democratic future in Bangladesh.