We welcome the publication of wealth statements by the advisers of the outgoing interim government in line with their earlier commitment. According to the published information, all current advisers have assets exceeding Tk 1 crore; the assets of 18 advisers increased, while those of three declined. The commerce adviser holds the most assets at Tk 91.65 crore, while the chief adviser’s assets stand at Tk 15.62 crore, marking an increase of Tk 1.61 crore over one year. While these disclosures are significant, their coverage still raises important questions.
The advisers’ wealth statements cover the period from July 2024 to June 2025. But the statements for the last seven months—from July 2025 to January 2026—are missing. The status of their assets during this period—how much cash they hold and what types of investments they possess—should also be made public.
Moreover, the statements provide only total net assets—movable and immovable—but do not include detailed breakdowns such as landholdings, flats, bank deposits, or cash in hand. By contrast, parliamentary candidates are required to submit far more detailed affidavits. There is no reason why the wealth statements of appointed state officials should not be detailed as well.
Transparency must also extend beyond the advisers themselves. The wealth statements of those appointed as special assistants to the chief adviser—many of whom had significant influence over key government decisions—should also be made available without delay. Similarly, during its tenure, the interim government appointed many civil servants to key positions on a contractual basis. What has become of their wealth statements? The government directed all civil servants to submit asset declarations, and it has repeatedly claimed that they have complied. Yet, these statements have not been made public.
Arrangements should therefore be made to ensure that the wealth statements of all officials holding key government positions and senior offices are disclosed. While the eventual publication of these statements is significant, a proactive and timely release would have set a stronger precedent. We hope that, from now on, those occupying important positions in government, whether in a ministerial capacity or in senior civil service roles, will publish their wealth statements annually. Only through consistent and comprehensive disclosure can accountability be truly strengthened.
