'Swiss envoy lied about info on bank accounts'

A day after Switzerland Ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard claimed that Dhaka did not ask for any specific information on the Swiss bank accounts of its citizens, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has ruled out the statement.

On Thursday while addressing reporters at his office in Dhaka, Momen said: “She’s lied (about the information on bank accounts)”, according to bdnews.com.

"The Swiss government does not want any corruption or laundered money to be deposited in Swiss banks. Governments of the two countries can discuss the issues raised regarding Bangladeshis keeping money in Swiss banks," the ambassador said in response to a question from journalists during a discussion at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the High Court ordered the government to explain why it had not sought information on funds deposited by Bangladeshis in Swiss banks.

Momen said he spoke to Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder and Finance Secretary Fatima Yasmin about seeking information.

“They said we had asked

earlier, but they did not respond. I asked them to tell this to the public. No one should get away with such lies.”

Asked whether the Swiss Embassy will be contacted over the matter, he said: “Let the governor or the finance ministry issue a statement first, then we’ll tell them.”