Money launderers won’t be allowed to live in peace: BB Boss
Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman on Friday issued a stern warning against financial fraudsters, declaring that those involved in money laundering will not be allowed to live in peace in Bangladesh.
“We will not let those who have stolen the country’s money and smuggled it abroad stay in peace. The ongoing drive against money launderers will continue,” the central bank governor said.
Mostaqur Rahman also assured the depositors of the Islami Bank and other troubled banks that there would be no difficulty for them as the central bank has adequate tools and liquidity support mechanisms to maintain stability in the banking sector.
Replying to a question at a post-budget press conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Friday , the governor said the interim government inherited a banking sector in which nearly one-third of deposits had effectively been siphoned off through irregularities and bad lending practices, while non-performing loans (NPLs) stood at around 35-36 percent.
The Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, NBR Chairman AbdurRahman, Governor Md MostaqurRahman, many other ministers and secretaries of different ministries were present.
Stating that those who have accumulated wealth through illicit financial flows will face rigorous accountability, the Governor added that the central bank, in coordination with relevant state agencies, is actively working to identify and track down stolen assets.
Governor Rahman also informed that specific actions, including legal measures and international cooperation, are being leveraged to bring back the laundered money and penalize the perpetrators.
The central bank chief emphasized that ensuring discipline and transparency in the banking sector remains a top priority for the regulatory body, and no concessions will be made for those involved in rampant corruption and financial irregularities.
Referring to recent speculation on social media regarding Islami Bank and SammilitoIslami Bank, the governor dismissed allegations of government interference and described them as ‘rumours’ aimed at creating instability.
Regarding Islami Bank, the governor said the government-appointed board remained largely unchanged, except for the replacement of one member following allegations of irregularities. He stressed that neither the government nor the central bank had interfered in lending decisions, promotions or transfers within the bank.
The governor acknowledged that some deposit withdrawals had increased amid uncertainty but assured customers that they would continue to have unrestricted access to their deposits.
