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maintains its obligations to international conventions including the UN Convention Against Corruption.

“From time to time, there are instructions from the court on curbing corruption. We said how we implement them. We will be happy to collaborate for training in future,” he said.

They also discussed the issues of money laundering and ways for prevention.

Not all countries or banks, especially the offshore countries where money is laundered, cooperate when Bangladesh seeks information on ill-gotten wealth, Momen said.

There needs to be more transparency and accountability in terms of international cooperation as one single country or body cannot prevent corruption of international nature.

“I told them there should be mutual cooperation on curbing corruption,” he said, adding that there should be strong mechanisms to repatriate ill-gotten money stuck in foreign banks.

If the cooperation of all is not there, it will be difficult to curb money laundering, Momen added.

Meanwhile, Nephew invited Bangladesh to attend the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Atlanta in December this year where they would seek the commitment of all to curb corruption.

Bangladesh will attend the event, according to Momen.

Besides, Law Minster Anisul Huq will also attend a ministerial meeting of G20.

Asked if the foreign ministry has taken any initiative to bring back money laundered by S Alam, Momen said they have not received any instruction.

“If ACC requests, we will do whatever we can do as per the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nephew wanted to know from civil society leaders the challenges of curbing corruption and what role the US can play in supporting Bangladesh towards this end.

“We said they can help strengthen our institutions and capacity building of those working to curb corruption,” said Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, after the meeting with Nephew at the US embassy.

Bangladesh has quite good policies and laws, but their implementation is weak, he said. In terms of preventing money laundering, the ACC needs to improve its skills, he said.

Iftekharuzzaman also pointed out that corruption has an international dimension, especially in the case of money laundering.

Some countries created scope for foreign investments without questioning the source of money. Taking advantage of such loopholes, some big fish launder money.

Nephew recognised that this is a problem and will look into the issue, Iftekharuzzaman told The Daily Star.

“We also said that civil society organisations have to create demand for curbing corruption. This requires creating space for civil society. The US can provide support towards this end,” he added.