Speaker seeks US support to recover laundered funds from abroad

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Tuesday sought US cooperation in recovering funds allegedly laundered abroad during the previous regime and welcomed a proposal from the International Republican Institute (IRI) to support capacity-building initiatives for newly elected lawmakers.

The issues were discussed when IRI Bangladesh Resident Programme Director John Fluharty paid a courtesy call on the speaker at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

During the meeting, Fluharty proposed IRI support for enhancing the skills and institutional capacity of members of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad through training programmes, workshops and experience-sharing initiatives.

He also briefed the speaker on various activities being implemented by the US-based organisation in Bangladesh to promote democratic development and political stability.

Referring to allegations that around Tk28 lakh crore had been siphoned abroad during the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the speaker sought US assistance in bringing the money back to Bangladesh, according to a press release.

Highlighting what he described as years of political repression during more than a decade of the previous administration, Hafiz said incidents of enforced disappearances, killings, suppression of dissent and the operation of secret detention facilities known as “Ayna Ghar” had reached such levels that people’s freedom of expression was severely restricted.

The speaker said the current government is conducting state affairs through consultations with the opposition following the 12 February 2026 parliamentary election, which he described as widely accepted and internationally recognised.

Noting that newly elected lawmakers are gradually becoming familiar with parliamentary procedures, he said the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had already organised orientation programmes to provide practical training on the duties and responsibilities of members of parliament.

Hafiz said the government’s main objective is to maintain democratic continuity, ensure respect for freedom of expression for all citizens, including opposition voices, and build a corruption-free Bangladesh.

Expressing optimism, he said the government and opposition parties would reach a consensus on implementing the July Charter through dialogue and consultation.