BFIU chief Shahinul Islam sent on compulsory leave

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has sent Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) Chief AFM Shahinul Islam on compulsory leave after several controversial videos went viral on social media.

Additionally, a three-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.

The investigation committee, consisting of a deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank and two executive directors, will be assisted by the central bank's Information Technology Department and other relevant officials.

Earlier on Tuesday (August 19), a section of Bangladesh Bank officials and employees submitted a memorandum to the governor, stating that the video of Shahinul Islam that went viral on social media has seriously tarnished the state and institutional image.

The memorandum further alleged that the BFIU chief had illegally allowed the withdrawal of Tk 19 crore from a frozen bank account of Khandaker Enayet Ullah, the owner of the controversial Ena Paribahan.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur said that an investigation has already been launched into the video circulating online.

AFM Shahinul Islam was appointed to the post in January this year, several months after it fell vacant following the resignation of former BFIU chief Md. Masud Biswas on August 8 last year amid protests from central bank officials.