BFIU chief’s leave order upheld, investigation to follow

Following the circulation of a controversial video on social media, Bangladesh Bank ordered AFM Shahinul Islam, head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), to go on mandatory leave. Despite this, he reported to the office on Wednesday (August 20), defying the governor’s directive and sparking tension within the central bank.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Zakir Hossain Chowdhury said that the BFIU chief is appointed by the Financial Institutions Division, which will also decide whether he continues in the post. However, the governor’s order for mandatory leave will remain in effect, and any action against him will depend on the outcome of the investigation.

On Monday, a controversial video of Shahinul Islam went viral on social media. Following this, Governor Dr. Ahsan H Mansur ordered on Tuesday that he be placed on mandatory leave. Nevertheless, he showed up at the office on Wednesday, disregarding the directive.

Earlier on Tuesday, some officials of the central bank submitted a memorandum to the governor, demanding that Shahinul be immediately sent on leave.

Meanwhile, Nazma Mubarak, Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, said that a letter has been sent to Bangladesh Bank to take action against Shahinul Islam, and the division will take prompt steps accordingly.