UNB:

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday called for expediting efforts to bring back billions of stolen money – both from the banking system and other means -as the government plans to frame a special law to fulfill legal requirements.

He made the call at an important meeting held with the 11-member taskforce formed earlier in September last year.

While briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said a law will be framed soon to facilitate the process of bringing back the stolen money.

Asked how the law will be framed in the absence of Parliament, the Press Secretary said it will be done through promulgating an ordinance as a set procedure.

“It’s a kind of highway robbery. It’s the top priority of the government. The government wants to bring the stolen money back at any cost,” Alam said, adding that the meeting held today lasted for around 90 minutes.

The Press Secretary said the interim government has already talked to around 200 law firms and it might go for agreements with 30 to facilitate the process.

Alam said the government is working on 11 big companies and individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members.

The Press Secretary cited an example that an individual sent Tk 400-500 crore as tuition fees.

The meeting decided to go into further details of money laundering to know how it happened and where it has gone.

The Chief Adviser sought updates from all who attended the meeting and directed to put in best efforts to bring back money as quickly as possible.

Alam said such meetings will be held each month and the next meeting will be held after Eid.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present.