Published: 11:57 PM, 26 October 2026
Bangladesh looks to US for help in recovering siphoned-off funds
Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, on Sunday sought cooperation from the United States government to recover money allegedly laundered from Bangladesh during the country's 17-year authoritarian rule, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in bringing back illicitly transferred assets.
He made the request when a delegation led by Winrock International President and CEO Maksoda Maqsodi paid a courtesy call on him at his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka, according to a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat.
The discussion covered a range of issues, including Bangladesh's climate vulnerability, the role of non-governmental organisations in socioeconomic development, diversification of the readymade garment (RMG) industry, environmentally sustainable agricultural technologies and the protection of migrant workers' rights.
During the meeting, Hafiz Uddin underscored the need for cooperation with the US government to facilitate the recovery of funds allegedly siphoned out of Bangladesh during the 17-year period of authoritarian rule.
The request comes amid broader concerns over illicit financial flows and the importance of recovering assets held abroad. International cooperation can be crucial in tracing suspected proceeds of financial crimes, establishing their ownership and pursuing legal procedures for their return. The Speaker's remarks highlighted the importance of engaging international partners in addressing the issue.
Hafiz Uddin also praised Winrock International for maintaining its partnership with Bangladesh for more than four decades, saying the organisation had made positive contributions to addressing the country's development priorities, particularly in climate change adaptation and social protection.
Referring to Bangladesh's exposure to climate-related risks, he said the country contributed relatively little to global carbon emissions but remained among the nations most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.
He pointed to rising sea levels and their growing implications for the livelihoods of communities living in coastal areas, haor regions and along riverbanks. These communities face mounting challenges from environmental degradation and climate-related hazards, making resilience-building and sustainable development increasingly important.
Bangladesh's geographical characteristics and high population density have heightened its exposure to climate risks, reinforcing the need for stronger adaptation measures, resilient infrastructure and sustained support for vulnerable communities.
The Speaker stressed that addressing these challenges required coordinated efforts involving the government, development partners, civil society organisations and local communities.
He said non-governmental organisations could play a significant complementary role alongside the government in improving living standards, expanding social protection and supporting people facing economic and environmental hardships.
The meeting also explored opportunities to diversify Bangladesh's RMG industry, one of the country's major sources of export earnings and employment. Strengthening the sector's competitiveness through product diversification, technological upgrading and more sustainable production practices could help broaden export opportunities and improve its resilience to changes in global markets.
The participants also exchanged views on promoting environmentally friendly technologies in agricultural production. Wider adoption of sustainable farming practices and appropriate technologies could help farmers respond to climate-related challenges, improve productivity and protect natural resources.
Protecting the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi migrant workers returning from the Middle East and other countries was another issue discussed during the meeting.
The discussion highlighted the importance of safeguarding the rights of migrant workers, particularly those returning after facing difficulties abroad. Effective reintegration support, access to social protection and opportunities for sustainable employment can help returning workers rebuild their livelihoods and contribute to the domestic economy.
Bangladesh relies heavily on overseas employment for remittance earnings, making the welfare of migrant workers and the protection of their rights important components of its broader development agenda.
Winrock International representatives, the Secretary of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat and other senior officials concerned attended the meeting.
The exchange reflected the breadth of issues linking Bangladesh's development priorities with international cooperation, from recovering allegedly laundered assets to strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable economic growth and protecting the rights of migrant workers.
