Bangladesh trade laundering: Bangladesh is confronting a significant economic challenge as $68.3 billion was illicitly laundered abroad over the past decade through trade mis-invoicing, a report by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) reveals. This practice, which involves understating or overstating the value of goods in international trade, has severely impacted the nation’s economy.
The report, covering the years 2013 to 2022, highlights how Bangladesh ranks among the top 10 Asian developing countries suffering from trade gaps due to these practices. Specifically, $33 billion was misappropriated in trade with the United States and European countries. The manipulation of trade invoices has not only led to a significant loss of government revenue but also exerted pressure on Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves.
Historically, trade mis-invoicing has been a persistent issue in Bangladesh, particularly affecting export-oriented industries and import-dependent sectors. The GFI report underscores that this problem is not confined to regional trade but is deeply embedded in the global supply chain, indicating a broader, systemic issue.
Looking forward, the report warns of continued risks unless stringent measures are implemented. The persistent trend of trade mis-invoicing across Asia, with $169 billion laundered in 2022 alone, suggests that without intervention, Bangladesh’s economic stability could face further threats.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 30, 2026
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