Bangladesh Bank has called ten individuals for interviews to appoint the next head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).
The interviews are scheduled for 11 and 12 December.
However, the selection process has sparked alarm. According to central bank officials, several individuals shortlisted for the position, including some tied to the S Alam Group during the previous Awami League government, have faced accusations of benefiting from bank irregularities and corruption.
They warn that appointing such individuals could undermine the integrity of the financial intelligence body and derail efforts to recover laundered money.
Observers have expressed grave concerns, highlighting the significant role of the BFIU in tackling financial crimes. They fear that appointing individuals implicated in corruption or linked to bank fraud could compromise the unit’s credibility. Some critics claim this could jeopardize the recovery of laundered funds and render past sacrifices, including the struggles of students and disabled individuals, meaningless.
The ten individuals called for interviews include former Bangladesh Bank Executive Directors AFM Shahinul Islam, Nazrul Islam, Zahurul Huda, Akhtarul Islam, and Nurul Amin, as well as current Executive Directors Rafiqul Islam, AKM Ehsan, Mamun Hossain, Md. Saiful Islam Khan, and a former deputy managing director of NCC Bank.
Among the candidates, Zahurul Huda has attracted particular criticism. After retiring from Bangladesh Bank, Huda reportedly joined the training academy of the S Alam Group. Following S Alam Group’s takeover of National Bank, he was appointed as an independent director of the bank.
Sources allege that during their tenure at Bangladesh Bank, some of the shortlisted candidates extended undue concessions to the S Alam Group. In return, they reportedly secured lucrative positions in the conglomerate upon retirement.
Critics argue that appointing such individuals to lead the BFIU could lead to the collapse of crucial financial oversight and anti-corruption measures. They call for greater scrutiny and transparency in the selection process to ensure the integrity of Bangladesh’s financial system.
