A section of Bangladesh Bank (BB) officials have urged the governor to send AFM Shahinul Islam, head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), on compulsory leave immediately and also launch an urgent investigation as several controversial videos allegedly involving him circulated on social media.
The Financial Express could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos.
When asked, Mr Islam rejected the allegation outright regarding the videos.
"The videos are artificial intelligence-generated fake news intended for harassment," he told The Financial Express.
Regarding the withdrawal of Tk 190 million from the frozen bank account of controversial businessman and Ena Paribahan owner Khandaker Enayet Ullah, Mr Islam defended this, saying it was permitted under the existing laws to ensure the continuation of the company's business.
In a memorandum submitted to the central bank governor on Tuesday, Bangladesh Bank officials said, "Several objectionable videos of Shahinul Islam circulating on social media have severely tarnished the image of both the state and the institution."
They also said the BFIU chief had allowed the illegal withdrawal of Tk 190 million from Enayet's frozen bank account.
Such misconduct has raised questions about the very position of the head of a sensitive institution like the BFIU, they said.
"It is noteworthy that he [Mr Islam] was appointed to this position despite his name not being on the list recommended by the search committee formed under the leadership of the governor, which is unfortunate," the memorandum read.
"Ashamed and outraged by such actions of a person holding an important position, we strongly condemn and protest this matter."
The officials also demanded the urgent implementation of the earlier decision on those appointed to the Bangladesh Bank on political and party-based considerations before August 5, 2024.
The central bank has already initiated an investigation into a "compromising video" that circulated online and allegedly involves the BFIU head.
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