The United States and Bangladesh on Saturday launched the Money Laundering Bench Book, a comprehensive judicial resource designed to improve the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of money laundering cases in Bangladesh.
The Bench Book was unveiled at a ceremony held at a city hotel by the US Embassy in Dhaka, in partnership with the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
Developed with technical support from the US Department of State and the US Department of Justice’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), the publication offers detailed, practical guidance for judges, prosecutors and investigators involved in handling complex financial crime cases.
According to US Mission Spokesperson Poornima Rai, the Bench Book is intended to strengthen judicial capacity by promoting consistent and effective application of anti-money laundering laws and procedures.
She said it would serve as a reference tool to support legal practitioners in understanding financial crime typologies, evidentiary standards, investigation techniques and relevant international best practices.
The initiative also aims to enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the judiciary, ensuring that money laundering cases are processed more efficiently and in line with global standards.
By improving the effectiveness of Bangladesh’s anti-money laundering framework, the Bench Book seeks to help safeguard the integrity of the financial sector.
Officials noted that stronger enforcement against financial crimes is critical for maintaining investor confidence, preventing the misuse of financial institutions and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The Bench Book will be used as a training and reference resource for judicial officers and legal professionals, reinforcing Bangladesh’s efforts to combat money laundering and related financial crimes.