Independent Member of Parliament Rumin Farhana alleged that around 8 billion US dollars are being laundered abroad each year under the guise of import and export transactions. She made the allegation on Monday during a supplementary question to the Commerce Minister in the National Parliament session, asking what steps the ministry could take to prevent such illicit transfers and whether any government initiatives were underway.

In response, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that identifying specific products involved in money laundering within Bangladesh’s approximately 130 billion dollar trade economy is a complex matter. He described the alleged 8 billion dollar figure as a perceived amount and noted that many imports are subject to tariffs and pre-shipment inspection clauses. The minister emphasized that any weaknesses allowing excessive laundering would require detailed study and research.

He added that the government remains aware of the issue and is conducting studies. If any concrete evidence of laundering emerges, the ministry will take appropriate action.