Bangladesh seizes 10kg gold from ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s bank locker
Bangladesh authorities seized gold worth $1.3 million from former PM Sheikh Hasina’s bank lockers. AI-generated Image
Bangladesh authorities seized gold worth $1.3 million from former PM Sheikh Hasina’s bank lockers. AI-generated Image
DHAKA (Web Desk): Bangladesh authorities seized gold worth $1.3 million from former PM Sheikh Hasina’s bank lockers, raising major legal and tax questions.

The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue said around 10 kilogrammes of gold were recovered from lockers seized in September.

A senior CIC official told AFP, “Following a court order, we opened the lockers and found about 9.7 kilogrammes of gold belonging to the former prime minister.” The collection included gold bars, coins, and jewellery.

Investigators claimed Hasina did not deposit some of the gifts she received while in office at the state treasury, known as the Toshakhana, which is required by law.

The National Board of Revenue is also examining whether Hasina declared the recovered gold in her tax filings and is probing alleged tax evasion.

Bangladesh has faced political turmoil since Hasina left office, with violence affecting campaigning for elections scheduled in February 2026.

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Earlier this month, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death over a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising. The UN reported that up to 1,400 people were killed during the crackdown as Hasina attempted to retain power.

The gold seizure highlights gaps in political oversight and Toshakhana rules. Experts say this case could trigger more investigations into undeclared assets of politicians. The mix of political tension and legal scrutiny could affect upcoming elections.