By now, it is widely known how cronies of the former Awami League government systematically looted the nation, syphoning billions. However, the undercover investigation by Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit showing us how former Bangladesh land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury built a half-billion-dollar property empire in the UK gives us the clearest picture yet about just how corrupt some of these ministers truly were.
Such investigations are much needed, not just for bringing to justice these individuals who have brought about untold damage to our nation, but also in our quest to bring back all of the money that was illegally taken from our coffers.
Bangladesh has been left devastated by the 15-year rule of the previous regime, and while the interim government is doing its best to steady the ship and once again rebuild our economy, being able to bring back the money that these corrupt individuals have taken will go a long way to help us bring stability to the nation.
Moreover, such prioritization will also send a strong message to those who may have nefarious ideas to follow in the footsteps of the corrupt - that this is no longer a land where corrupt practices will be tolerated. For too long, those who have literally stolen from the nation have been sheltered and protected and even celebrated, instead of facing consequences for their treacherous behaviour.
Not only do we hope that we are able to bring back money that is rightfully ours and stabilize our reserves, but in doing so, we also hope that all of the people responsible for the dire state of our economy are brought to book. Failure to do so will only embolden further corruption, and our hopes of building a corruption-free nation where justice and accountability hold true will be in vain.