Finance ministry forms 4-member committee to verify BFIU chief's 'compromising video'
The government has decided to take punitive action against Shahinul, who was sent on mandatory leave last night (19 August).
The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance has formed a four-member committee to verify the authenticity of a viral "compromising video" allegedly involving Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) chief AFM Shahinul Islam.
The committee, headed by the ministry's Additional Secretary Saeed Qutub, has been asked to submit its findings along with recommendations within seven working days, according to an office order signed by Deputy Secretary Afsana Bilkis today (20 August).
Other members of the probe body include Sirajul Islam, executive director of Bangladesh Bank; Matiur Rahman, director of Bangladesh Bank's ICT-2; and Mohammad Saidul Islam, joint secretary of the finance ministry.
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Meanwhile, discussions were underway at the ministry till the filing of this report on whether Shahinul would be allowed to continue in office during the investigation or if any interim action would be taken against him.
The government has decided to take punitive action against Shahinul, who was sent on mandatory leave last night (19 August).
FID Secretary Nazma Mobarek told The Business Standard this afternoon (20 August), "Following a letter from the Bangladesh Bank, we are taking disciplinary action against the BFIU chief today.
"You will be officially informed shortly on what measures are being taken."
She added that further action will be taken based on the investigation committee's report and recommendations.
The move follows confirmation from the governor that the central bank has launched a probe into a "compromising video" circulating online, allegedly involving the BFIU head.
Final action up to government
Following various allegations involving the BFIU head, including a "compromising video" circulating online, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan Mansur placed the BFIU chief on mandatory leave on Tuesday.
The governor said, "The BFIU chief will remain on leave until the investigation is completed. Further action will be taken after receiving the investigation report."
However, Shahinul Islam was seen attending office as usual this morning.
When asked, FID officials said the BFIU chief is appointed by the government. The sole authority to take disciplinary action against him also rests with the government or the Financial Institutions Division on behalf of the government.
Moreover, the law under which the BFIU chief was appointed does not provide for placing him on mandatory leave.
However, if the government wishes, it may assign him on special duty (OSD), dismiss, or terminate him.
The Bangladesh Bank or its governor cannot directly take any action against him.
They can only make recommendations to the government, and the government will act accordingly.
