The Bangladesh Bank has decided not to release new banknotes featuring Bangabandhu’s image for this Eid, as the notes linked to the July Movement have not yet been printed. Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur stated in an exclusive interview with Somoy Television during his visit to London that the decision was made as per government directives. Instead, the remaining previously printed notes will be stored, while new ones are being prepared by a British and a Swiss company, expected to be available by the end of April.

Regarding remittances, the governor noted that the country received $2.5 billion in July 2020, the highest single-month inflow at the time. In just the first 19 days of this month, inflows have surpassed $2.25 billion, and a new record of $3 billion in a single month is expected. He attributed this surge to incentives and tighter controls on money laundering, projecting that total remittances for the year could reach $30 billion.

On his visit, the governor revealed that he was investigating illicit funds transferred from Bangladesh, particularly those linked to businessman S Alam. He mentioned that assets and funds held abroad have been identified, and efforts are underway to recover them with support from the British government, NGOs, and legal firms. Estimates suggest that between $15-20 billion was funneled abroad by a single entity and its affiliates.

Dr. Mansur further stated that stricter measures against money laundering have slowed the depletion of foreign reserves. As per the IMF’s BPM6 standard, Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $19.96 billion as of March 20.