Bangladesh Seizes $6.4 Billion From Ousted Leader Sheikh Hasina

Bangladesh authorities have frozen assets totaling approximately 760 billion taka (roughly $6.4 billion) linked to Sheikh Hasina, her family, and 10 industrial conglomerates. The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit reported that the seizure includes 570 billion taka in domestic assets and 190 billion taka held in offshore accounts. The crackdown, involving a joint task force of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Board of Revenue, targets money laundering and the siphoning of funds during Hasina's 15-year rule.

Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following a student-led uprising, announced plans to return to Bangladesh in December 2026 to voluntarily surrender in court. In November 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh sentenced her to death in absentia for crimes against humanity related to a crackdown on protesters that killed up to 1,400 people. Hasina has rejected these charges as politically motivated.

The current government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, welcomed her planned return. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated the government is seeking her extradition to ensure justice. While information advisor Zahed Ur Rahman suggested the court might review the verdict, Ahmed maintained that the verdict will be implemented. The Government of India has stated its stance on Hasina's self-exile remains unchanged despite efforts to improve bilateral ties.