Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sought the Canadian government’s assistance in repatriating funds laundered from Bangladesh to Canada. During a meeting on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna with Canadian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Ajit Singh, Dr. Yunus highlighted that oligarch businessmen, close associates, and political figures linked to the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina have stolen hundreds of billions of dollars from Bangladesh, a significant portion of which has been funneled into Canada, particularly through property acquisitions in Toronto’s notorious ‘Begum Para.’ He requested Canada’s cooperation in identifying, freezing, and recovering these assets, emphasizing that the stolen money belongs to the people of Bangladesh.

In response, the Canadian High Commissioner welcomed the interim government’s efforts to recover the stolen funds and assured Dr. Yunus of Canada’s support in this endeavor. He mentioned that Canada has already initiated processes to seize and recover laundered money linked to identified individuals. Furthermore, the High Commissioner expressed Canada’s readiness to support the interim government’s reform initiatives aimed at democratic transition in Bangladesh, praising the progress made so far and showing interest in further cooperation.

He also indicated Canada’s interest in expanding trade and investment with Bangladesh, announcing that a Canadian minister would soon visit Dhaka for discussions on mutual interests. Dr. Yunus recalled his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the UN General Assembly in New York, expressing Dhaka’s desire for increased Canadian investment. He affirmed that Bangladesh is prepared for business expansion and encouraged Canadian companies to relocate their factories to Bangladesh. Highlighting the growing number of Bangladeshis living and studying in Canada, Dr. Yunus stressed the need for establishing a Canadian visa office in Dhaka. (Source: BSS)