Dhaka: Bangladeshi anti-corruption authorities have recovered around 10 kilograms of gold — including bars, coins, and jewellery valued at approximately $1.3 million — from bank lockers belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, officials confirmed Wednesday.

The discovery was made by the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) after the court authorised the opening of lockers seized in September. Officials said the gold was stored in two vaults at Agrani Bank in Dhaka’s Motijheel district.

Investigators stated that Hasina had failed to deposit certain gifts she received while in office into the state treasury, known as the “Toshakhana,” as required by law. The NBR is also reviewing whether the recovered assets were properly declared in her tax filings.

A senior CIC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Following a court order, we opened the lockers and found about 9.7 kilograms of gold belonging to the former prime minister.”

The seizure marks the first time Sheikh Hasina’s bank lockers have been opened under official court supervision since being seized. Authorities said the recovery intensifies scrutiny on the former prime minister amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and undisclosed assets.

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Bangladesh has been experiencing political turmoil since the end of Hasina’s rule, and the country faces heightened tensions ahead of elections scheduled for February 2026. Earlier this month, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death over a crackdown on a student-led uprising, which resulted in hundreds of deaths.

The Central Intelligence Cell and National Board of Revenue continue to investigate the matter, aiming to ensure accountability and compliance with the nation’s financial and anti-corruption laws.