The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has directed all banks in the country to freeze the accounts of Exim Bank Chairman Nazrul Islam Mazumder and his wife Nasrin Islam for the next 30 days.
The BFIU, an anti-money laundering agency under the Bangladesh Bank, issued the directive on Sunday through an official letter sent to the banks. The reason behind this move was not disclosed in the letter. However, it is expected to be part of an ongoing investigation related to financial irregularities.
Mr Mazumder holds significant positions in the country's financial and industrial sectors.
In addition to being the chairman of Exim Bank, he also serves as the chairman of Nassa Group, one of Bangladesh's largest clothing manufacturers.
He is also chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks, an influential body representing bank owners in the country. Bank officials have been instructed to comply with the BFIU's directive immediately and ensure that no transactions are processed from the accounts in question during the 30-day freeze period.
jasimharoon@yahoo.com