Yunus Urges Return of Stolen Assets, Calls for Global Financial Reform

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged countries and institutions that shelter stolen wealth to return it to its rightful owners, warning that the global financial system has failed to stop the illicit transfer of resources from developing nations.

“Do not be complicit in this crime. Return the wealth to its rightful owners the farmers, the workers, and the ordinary taxpayers,” Yunus told world leaders at the 80th United Nations General Assembly on Friday. He noted that in some cases, the very rules of international financial institutions have enabled vast sums of illegal money to flow into tax havens.

Recovering assets siphoned abroad is now one of the interim government’s top priorities, Yunus said, adding that billions of dollars were stolen from Bangladesh over the past 15 years through corruption. “We are working tirelessly to bring this wealth back. Yet legal processes in the concerned countries and other obstacles are hurting our efforts,” he said, stressing that without genuine political commitment from those nations, recovery will remain elusive.

Yunus called for strong international regulations to prevent the plunder of resources from developing countries and to ensure their return when stolen. He said his government uncovered the vast scale of corruption and theft of public resources upon taking office, which had left the economy dangerously vulnerable.

To stabilize the fragile economy, Yunus said the government has enacted difficult but necessary reforms, including a landmark change separating the revenue policy-making body from the implementing authority. “This ensures transparency and accountability, and it will expand our revenue base,” he said, noting the reforms align with the Sevilla Commitment adopted at the recent FFD4 Conference.

He urged developed nations to honor their responsibilities under that pledge and pressed for reforms in global financial governance. “Equally vital are an inclusive framework for international tax cooperation, coordinated global measures against illicit financial flows and corruption, and stronger international cooperation for the recovery of stolen and illicit assets,” Yunus said.