CA Seeks OSF's Help to Recover Stolen Assets

The delegation, led by OSF Chair Alex Soros and President Binaifer Nowrojee, expressed their support for the Interim Government’s reform initiatives. During the meeting, Soros praised Prof Yunus for his leadership during a critical period in the country’s history, emphasizing the opportunities presented by the student-led mass uprising to chart a new path for Bangladesh.

The discussion covered a broad range of topics, including the July uprising, transitional justice for victims, economic reforms, media freedom, asset recovery, cybersecurity laws, and the Rohingya crisis. "We will explore ways to support your efforts in these areas," Soros assured Prof Yunus.

In response, Prof Yunus thanked OSF for its support and urged the Foundation to help raise awareness about the July uprising, which led to the overthrow of a brutal dictatorship. He expressed concern about widespread misinformation, particularly after his observations at the Davos conference, where many were unaware of the uprising. "There is a lot of disinformation," he said.

The Chief Adviser also called on OSF to assist in asset tracing efforts to recover an estimated $234 billion allegedly siphoned off during Sheikh Hasina's 16-year rule. Prof Yunus highlighted that the Interim Government inherited a "devastated and war-torn" economy and emphasized the need for international support in the recovery process.

While Bangladesh’s media now enjoys unprecedented freedom, Prof Yunus noted the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation flooding social media platforms.

Additionally, OSF expressed its willingness to assist Bangladesh in its crucial transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, a move Prof Yunus welcomed. "We must ensure a smooth transition without any setbacks," he concluded.