ICIJ, a global network of more than 200 journalists in 70 countries, has just leaked a trove of tax-haven financial records dubbed as the Paradise Papers—laying bare some of the financial secrets of the global elite. ICIJ had also leaked the Panama Papers before this. 

The revelation exposes the assets and shadowy dealings of many prominent politicians, businessmen and organisations across the world. In addition, it unveils the ways in which some global corporate giants avoid taxes legally. It is expected, especially in the West, that there would be varying degrees of consequences for those whose name appeared in the Paradise Papers.  

Its predecessor, the Panama Papers, allegedly revealed the names of some Bangladeshi businessmen and politicians. However, in Bangladesh, unlike some other countries, there seems to be no progress in the investigation relating to the individuals whose names reportedly appeared in the Panama Papers.

It is likely that names of Bangladeshis will appear in the Paradise Papers, too. The media and the government should look out for Bangladeshi nationals in the Paradise Papers. If names of Bangladeshi nationals are found in the papers, then the government should ensure that these individuals—who may have avoided taxes by stashing money offshore—are thoroughly 

investigated. 

Karim Hasan, Rajshahi