Massive Gold Haul Discovered in Former Leader's Vaults
In a significant development, Bangladesh's anti-corruption authorities have made a stunning discovery, confiscating a substantial cache of gold from bank lockers belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of gold, with an estimated value of $1.3 million, was recovered during the operation.
The Investigation and Court-Ordered Search
The dramatic find came after officials from the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue executed a court order to open lockers that had been seized back in September. A senior CIC official, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, revealed the details. "Following a court order, we opened the lockers and found about 9.7 kilograms of gold belonging to the former prime minister," the official stated.
The recovered haul was not limited to a single form of the precious metal. Investigators reported that the locker contents included a diverse collection of gold coins, bars, and jewellery. This seizure is part of a broader probe into the financial dealings of the ousted leader.
Legal Violations and Ongoing Probes
At the heart of the investigation is a potential violation of state protocol. Investigators allege that Sheikh Hasina failed to deposit some of the gifts she received during her time in office into the state treasury, known as 'Toshakhana', as is mandated by law. This failure forms a critical part of the case against her.
Furthermore, the National Board of Revenue has widened its inquiry. Authorities are now actively investigating allegations of tax evasion and are scrutinizing whether the former Prime Minister properly declared the recovered gold assets in her official tax filings. This adds a significant financial crime dimension to the existing political and ethical scrutiny.
The case continues to develop as officials piece together the origins of the gold and the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct.
