Lawyers’ platform “Voice of Lawyers Bangladesh” submitted a memorandum today (12 May) to the governor of Bangladesh Bank demanding justice over alleged corruption, looting and money laundering in the country’s banking sector.
Leaders of the organisation alleged that organised corruption and money laundering took place in several banks, particularly Islami Bank Bangladesh, causing severe suffering for ordinary depositors.
Speaking at a programme in front of Bangladesh Bank, the organisation’s coordinator, Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Mohammad Delwar Hossain, said the banking sector is facing a serious crisis.
According to the organisation’s statement, “Customers of different banks are struggling to withdraw their deposits, with some allowed only Tk2,000 or Tk5,000 while many banks are unable to provide any cash at all.”
Delwar said, “Even a cancer patient seeking treatment in India could not withdraw Tk1.5 crore from his own bank account. The bank asked him to withdraw only Tk5,000. This is extremely unfortunate.”
He added that although an application was submitted on 28 April seeking a meeting with the Bangladesh Bank governor, they were unable to meet him.
“However, the memorandum was delivered to the governor’s office,” he said.
The memorandum called for justice over alleged bank looting, recovery of laundered funds, cancellation of illegal appointments and effective steps to stabilise the banking sector.
The organisation’s leaders alleged that during the previous government’s tenure, a particular group was unlawfully placed in several banks, including Islami Bank, creating a syndicate that looted funds and laundered money abroad.
They demanded swift legal action against those involved.
Voice of Lawyers Bangladesh Chief Coordinator Advocate Ashrafuzzaman alleged that on 5 January 2017, a special group, with the support of the government and intelligence agencies, took control of Islami Bank’s board of directors.
Ashrafuzzaman claimed that huge sums of money were later siphoned abroad from the bank.
According to him, nearly Tk24 lakh crore was laundered to nine countries. He demanded that the funds be recovered and returned to depositors.
He alleged that thousands of officials and employees were illegally recruited at Islami Bank and several other banks.
The organisation demanded cancellation of those appointments and action against those responsible.
The organisation also criticised the recently passed Bank Resolution Act, alleging that it could create opportunities to rehabilitate individuals involved in past banking irregularities and corruption.
The lawyers demanded the repeal of the law’s controversial provisions.
Speakers at the programme also alleged that certain domestic and international groups are trying to discredit and weaken the Islamic banking system.
They said they want the sector to return to normal so depositors can freely deposit and withdraw money and investment activities can continue smoothly.
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