The Financial Institutions Division (FID) of the Ministry of Finance has cancelled the remaining contract period of AFM Shahinul Islam, head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), who was sent on forced leave earlier.
Afsana Khan, deputy secretary of FID issued an office order on Tuesday at the consent of Honourable President, effective from today (Tuesday).
The decision followed a series of controversies, including a viral video scandal and allegations of financial misconduct.
Earlier investigations were conducted against Shahinul on charges of a compromising video and illicit financial transactions. Despite recommendations for his dismissal, a lack of action had reportedly led to growing discontent within the Bangladesh Bank.
According to the investigation report, Shahinul Islam is accused of facilitating the withdrawal of Tk19 crore from the frozen bank accounts of controversial businessman Khandaker Enayet Ullah. The report also found evidence of unusual cash deposits in bank accounts belonging to Shahinul and his wife.
Tensions escalated on August 18 when a compromising video of Shahinul Islam was circulated on social media. While he claimed the videos were fake, a forensic examination confirmed their authenticity. In the aftermath, Bangladesh Bank officials protested, forcing him to leave his office. He was subsequently sent on mandatory leave by the government and has not returned to work since.
