450 investigators attend PBI-bKash workshops on MFS abuse prevention

To enhance security in the mobile financial service (MFS) sector and combat its misuse in criminal activities, Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) and bKash have jointly conducted a series of training workshops across the country. A total of 450 investigation officers from 42 PBI district offices participated in 14 workshops under this initiative.

The closing ceremony of the workshops, titled Investigation and Prevention of Misuse of Mobile Financial Services, was held on 18 February at a convention centre in the capital. PBI Chief Additional IGP Md Mustafa Kamal attended as chief guest. Special guests included Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), chief external and corporate affairs officer of bKash; Dr Md Nazibur Rahman, former additional IGP of Bangladesh Police and advisor to bKash; and Major A.K.M. Monirul Karim (retd), EVP and HoD of external affairs at bKash.

The workshops provided detailed insights into how investigators can identify criminal gangs and bring them to justice. Sessions covered topics such as leveraging advanced technology to track lost customer funds, monitoring digital transactions to prevent crimes like kidnapping, and streamlining communication between investigating officers and bKash officials. Additionally, discussions focused on immediate steps law enforcement can take when a crime occurs.

During the ceremony, PBI Chief Additional IGP Md Mustafa Kamal said: "Over the past few months, bKash has conducted these workshops at several PBI offices. I am confident that these 450 investigating officers have gained enhanced expertise in MFS-related investigations. Furthermore, communication between our two organisations will be smoother and more effective in conducting investigations. We look forward to the continuation of these workshops."

Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), chief external and corporate affairs officer of bKash, said: "The presence of money attracts those driven by greed, leading to financial crimes. However, through concerted efforts in identifying these crimes, implementing appropriate measures, and taking necessary actions, we can mitigate these issues."

The trackable nature of digital transactions empowers investigators from the police, DB, CID, and PBI to effectively combat financial crime. Since 2017, bKash has been conducting these workshops regularly for law enforcement personnel. To date, nearly 3,000 officials from various law enforcement agencies have benefited from the sessions held across the country.