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Money Stolen from Banks with High-Level Support
Says Foreign Adviser Touhid
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today spoke at the inauguration session of the first phase of implementation of the Integrated Online Authentication Management (Apostille Convention 1961) at the foreign ministry. Photo: PID
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today accused high-level political leadership of facilitating the theft of money from banks during previous Awami League governments. He claimed that the theft was not a random occurrence, but rather the result of deliberate support from those at the highest echelons of power.
“The embezzlement of funds was not accidental. It was made possible with the backing of top leaders,” Hossain stated during his speech at the inauguration of the first phase of the Integrated Online Authentication Management (Apostille Convention 1961) at the Foreign Ministry.
The adviser also expressed concern over certain banks being systematically weakened. He noted that “well-performing banks are being burdened with bad loans on purpose. Such actions could not have happened without the involvement of powerful figures.”
Hossain stressed the importance of eliminating corruption across various processes, particularly in newly implemented systems like the Apostille Convention. “While this is just one small step, measures like this can lead to significant long-term change. However, we must recognize that corruption can’t be fully eradicated as long as opportunities remain. Our goal should be to minimize these opportunities.”
On the issue of 60,000 Bangladeshi passports being delayed in Italy, Hossain explained that the problem stemmed from a lack of credibility in the process. “A broker from Bangladesh obtained approval from an organization in Italy, but the organization simply lacked the capacity to handle the process effectively,” he said.
Turning to Bangladesh's image abroad, the adviser highlighted the importance of consistent action in shaping national reputation. “A nation’s image isn’t built overnight, and it doesn’t collapse quickly either. We cannot protect our reputation through positive statements alone. For example, when Bangladeshis account for the highest number of deaths in Mediterranean crossings, it’s difficult to counter that with rhetoric,” he observed. However, he added that positive actions can significantly enhance Bangladesh’s image. “When a Bangladeshi taxi driver returns lost money abroad, it boosts our reputation. But when a member of parliament is jailed for corruption in another country, it becomes much harder to maintain our standing.”
Hossain also discussed the ongoing manpower shortage at Bangladesh’s foreign missions, citing Qatar as an example. “If a mission in Qatar has to distribute 300 passports a day, how can it manage other essential services?” he asked. He assured that steps are being taken to address the shortage, including plans to digitize services and modernize operations. “The aim is to make it easier for passport applicants by ensuring that services reach them with proper documentation, without them needing to visit the missions in person,” he added.
The event was also attended by Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin, Cabinet Division Secretary for Reform Affairs Mahmudul Hossain Khan, and ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury.