Finance minister doubts GFI finding about Tk64,000cr annual outflow from Bangladesh
What can we do other than filing cases against money launderers, said AHM Mustafa Kamal
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal is doubtful about the authenticity of the information in Global Financial Integrity's (GFI) report that said Tk63,924 crore was laundered from Bangladesh per year between 2008 and 2017.
"Where did they get the data from? Will it do if I claim that Tk30,000 lakh crore flows out of America every year?" He asked.
The government received no information about the report of the US-based think tank, the minister told reporters yesterday after emerging from a meeting of the cabinet committee on public purchase held in the capital.
"But the government is taking steps against those who are engaged in money laundering," Mustafa Kamal said.
The finance minister further said the GFI should have informed him beforehand about their findings on money laundering from Bangladesh. "What is the benefit of giving such information to newspapers?"
They have prepared the report based on their ideas, he also said.
"I will not comment on it as I have no idea about it. But we will see the report and analyse it," he maintained.
When asked about if the government would take steps to prevent money laundering, Mustafa Kamal said, "What can we do other than filing lawsuits [against money launderers]?"
Regarding the businessmen who are constructing residences in Canada, the minister said the government is taking measures on the issue. "But, finally the court looks into it."
The GFI, in its report published on Tuesday, said Tk63,924 crore was flown out of Bangladesh per year.
The report also stated that the money was laundered in two ways: overinvoicing and underinvoicing.
Overinvoicing means showing prices of imported goods more than the actual amount while underinvoicing is showing prices of exported products lower than the original.