BFIU Head Shahinul Islam sent on mandatory leave

Bangladesh Bank has sent AFM Shahinul Islam, the head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), on mandatory leave, after a "compromising video" allegedly featuring him went viral on social media.

The matter was confirmed to the media tonight (19 August) by the central bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur.

He said, "The BFIU chief will remain on leave until the investigation is completed. Further action will be taken after receiving the investigation report."

Earlier in the day, a group of central bank officials submitted a memorandum to the governor, requesting that Shahinul be placed on mandatory leave.

The demand came after the governor yesterday confirmed that the central bank has launched a probe into a "compromising video" circulating online, which allegedly involves the BFIU head.

Although Shahinul denied the authenticity of the clips, claiming they were fake, a preliminary fact-check by the central bank confirmed the videos to be genuine.

The controversial videos of Shahinul, initially shared via WhatsApp and Messenger groups last Thursday, went viral on social media, sparking widespread criticism. The central bank's IT department has been tasked with verifying the authenticity of the videos.

In addition, allegations have emerged against him over allowing nearly Tk19 crore to be withdrawn from a frozen account of Ena Paribahan owner Khandaker Enayet Ullah.

Concerned sources said the matter is being investigated to determine whether unethical activities took place.

According to media reports, in November last year, the BFIU froze Tk120 crore across 50 accounts linked to Enayet Ullah and his family. However, in April this year, nearly Tk19 crore was released from four accounts with Bank Alfalah as they were not re-frozen.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating claims that the money had been collected as daily extortion from various bus routes.

Following an ACC petition, a court ordered the freezing of Tk120 crore on 27 May. But later, the commission discovered only Tk101 crore remained in the accounts. The remaining funds were allegedly withdrawn in exchange for undue benefits.

Allegations have also surfaced that during the previous government's tenure, large amounts of illegally acquired funds were similarly released. Bangladesh Bank has since formed a three-member investigation committee comprising one deputy governor and two executive directors to look into the matter.

After the fall of the Awami League government, then-BFIU chief Masud Biswas was forced to resign on 5 August 8 following protests by central bank officials.

The position remained vacant for months before Shahinul Islam was appointed in January this year.

His appointment also sparked debate, as his name was not on the three-person shortlist recommended by the governor-led search committee. Instead, the Financial Institutions Division of the finance ministry appointed him directly as BFIU chief.