10 Kilograms of Gold Worth $1.3 Million Seized from Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's Bank Lockers

The collection included gold coins, bars, and various jewelry items.

Bangladesh authorities have discovered approximately 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of gold valued at around $1.3 million from bank lockers owned by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, according to officials' statements on Wednesday.

Representatives from the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue revealed that the discovery occurred after opening lockers that had been confiscated in September.

"After obtaining a court order, we opened the lockers and discovered about 9.7 kilograms of gold belonging to the former prime minister," a high-ranking CIC official informed AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The seized items consisted of gold coins, bars, and jewelry pieces.

Investigators indicated that Hasina had allegedly failed to deposit certain gifts received during her tenure in the state treasury, known as "Toshakhana," as mandated by law.

The National Board of Revenue is also investigating potential tax evasion and examining whether Hasina properly declared the recovered gold in her tax documentation.

Bangladesh has experienced political instability since the end of Hasina's administration, and violence has disrupted campaigning for elections anticipated in February 2026.

Earlier this month, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death regarding a deadly crackdown against a student-led uprising.

According to United Nations reports, up to 1,400 people lost their lives in the crackdown as Hasina attempted to maintain power.