The Bangladesh Bank is facing increasing pressure for disciplinary action against Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) chief AFM Shahinul Islam, following several serious allegations.
On Tuesday, an additional director, representing the central bank employees, submitted a memorandum to the Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur, urging immediate measures against Shahinul Islam.
The memorandum highlights the circulation of multiple objectionable videos featuring Shahinul Islam on social media, which the employees claim has severely tarnished both the state’s and the institution’s reputation.
The employees also raised concerns about Shahinul Islam’s alleged involvement in facilitating the illegal withdrawal of Tk19 crore from the frozen bank account of controversial transport businessman Khondakar Enayet Ullah.
These claims have reportedly drawn the attention of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), prompting further scrutiny.
In addition, the memorandum questioned Shahinul Islam’s appointment as the BFIU chief, pointing out that he was not on the list of candidates proposed by the search committee led by the central bank governor.
The employees expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as a lack of transparency in the decision-making process surrounding his appointment.
In response to these developments, the employees have demanded that Shahinul Islam be immediately placed on forced leave, with an urgent investigation into the allegations.
They also called for the swift implementation of decisions concerning appointments made at Bangladesh Bank before August 5, 2024, which they claim were influenced by political and party considerations.
The employees emphasised the need for prompt action to restore discipline within the financial sector and to regain public trust, which they believe has been compromised by the ongoing controversies.
In conversation with TIMES of Bangladesh, Shahinul Islam denied the allegations against him, stating that “a certain quarter” is attempting to undermine him in his position. He also claimed that the objectionable videos circulating on social media were “fake.”