UK Seizes £250 Million in Bangladeshi Assets; Pledges Support to Recover Laundered Money

Speaking at the ‘DCAB Talk’ organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the National Press Club on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the High Commissioner shared this significant update. She noted that these assets were seized following necessary legal procedures initiated from June 2025 onwards.

High Commissioner Cooke emphasized that the UK maintains a zero-tolerance policy to uphold the rule of law and the transparency of the international financial system. She stated that the UK is committed to assisting Bangladesh in curbing illicit financial flows and strengthening economic governance. For the past 18 to 24 months, both nations have been working closely on these issues. However, due to legal constraints and confidentiality protocols, she noted that the names of specific individuals or institutions involved could not be disclosed at this stage, as every action is evidence-based and follows the UK’s high-priority legal frameworks.

The High Commissioner further announced that an international conference on "Illicit Finance" is scheduled to be held in London this coming June. The summit will gather government and private sector representatives from various countries to discuss coordinated initiatives for recovering laundered assets. Expecting strong representation from Bangladesh, she confirmed that Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has already been formally invited to attend. The event was attended by DCAB President A K M Moinuddin, General Secretary Imrul Kayes, and other senior journalists.