Dhaka, Oct. 7 -- The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has instructed all commercial banks to enter agreements with 12 international law and asset recovery firms to assist in tracing and repatriating funds allegedly laundered abroad by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and several major Bangladeshi business conglomerates.

According to central bank officials, these foreign firms will provide both administrative and legal support in identifying, freezing, and recovering the illicitly transferred assets.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting held Monday, chaired by BB Governor Ahsan H Mansur, and attended by managing directors from 32 commercial banks.

During the meeting, Islami Bank Bangladesh Managing Director a...