Dhaka, June 20, 2025 —In a development that has raised eyebrows amid ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, deposits from Bangladeshi nationals in Swiss banks soared to record levels between August and December 2024, marking the highest inflow from the country during any five-month period on record.According to newly released data from the Swiss National Bank (SNB), a staggering CHF 589.5 million (approximately ৳8,834 crore) was deposited by Bangladeshi individuals and entities by the end of December 2024. Analysts note that a significant portion of this sum entered Swiss financial institutions following August — coinciding with the rise to power of the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.Comparative figures from the previous year highlight the dramatic spike. In 2023, Bangladeshi deposits in Swiss banks stood at only CHF 17.7 million, or around ৳264 crore — meaning the 2024 figure reflects an increase of more than 33 times within just one year. Experts say this surge is unmatched in recent memory and second only to the 2021 record of CHF 871.1 million.While traditionally such offshore deposits are linked to business transactions or attempts to bypass local regulatory scrutiny, this unprecedented surge has triggered concern among transparency advocates and economists alike. Critics have begun questioning whether individuals aligned with the current regime may be using Swiss banks as a safe haven for illicit funds during a time of political unrest and financial uncertainty in Bangladesh.Despite public outcry over growing inequality and lack of accountability, the interim administration has not issued any official comment regarding the matter. Meanwhile, public protests over corruption and economic mismanagement continue to intensify across the country.Swiss banks are globally known for their strict confidentiality laws, which make them a preferred destination for private wealth, though international pressure has forced them to increase transparency in recent years. Still, the surge in Bangladeshi deposits during such a critical political transition has only deepened suspicions of widespread money laundering or capital flight by those in power.Calls are now growing for an international investigation into the origin of these funds and the individuals involved.
