Bangladeshis’ deposits in Swiss banks drop by Tk 4,064cr

Bangladeshi nationals' deposits with various Swiss banks dropped by 27 per cent year-on-year in 2017 to 481.32 million Swiss francs or Tk 4,064 crore.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) came up with the data in its annual report titled “Banks in Switzerland 2017”.

The amount was Tk 5,575 crore in 2016 and Tk 4,423 crore in 2015, according to the data revealed by the Swiss central bank.

The deposits came down during an ongoing global clampdown on the famed secrecy wall of Swiss banking system.

The report, however, did not shed light on the alleged black money held by Bangladeshis.

Swiss banks have come under global pressure in recent times, as a number of countries, including India, are stepping up efforts to crack down on black money. A Europe-led clampdown has also been launched on tax evasion and corruption.

Experts, however, say data from the Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a Washington-based research organisation, gives a comprehensive picture about money laundered out of a country.

Bangladesh lost between $6 billion and $9 billion to illegal money outflows in 2014, according to a GFI report. However, GFI has not yet published any report this year.