The High Court today has sought information including the names and identities of the money launderers from the authorities concerned.
The High Court ordered the authorities concerned including finance secretary, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman, National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman and Bangladesh Bank governor to submit the report within December 17.
The High Court has also issued a rule asking authorities concerned to explain in this matter within the next four weeks.
The bench of Justice Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and Justice Ahmed Sohel passed the order voluntarily on Sunday.
Deputy Attorney General AKM Amin Uddin Manik stood in favour of the state while Advocate Khurshid Alam Khan was representing ACC before the court.
Earlier on November 18, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said he was surprised to see the number of government officials who siphoned money off to Toronto in Canada, outnumbering politicians.
"It was initial information. We’ve to verify it," he told reporters referring to information they have about 28 cases.
Of the 28 cases, only four are against politicians while the rest are government officials, including a few businesspeople.
"I thought that the number of politicians would be higher. I got surprised though the information is not comprehensive…, " said the foreign minister.
He said many government officials have houses in Toronto and their children are studying there.
The foreign minister said such a situation is not only there in Canada but also in Malaysia.
"It's difficult to get information," Dr Momen said, adding that what they see in media reports on thousands of crores of money is siphoned off are not fully true considering the figure.
nh/wi
