Dhaka: Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur today stated that incidents of bank looting occurred exclusively in Bangladesh with state sponsorship, involving not just one but seven banks.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Governor emphasized that these banks were exploited through political processes, facilitating the siphoning of money abroad. Dr. Mansur made these remarks while addressing a discussion titled ‘Current state of Bangladesh’s economy and future outline’ as the chief guest at the Nilphamari Government College Auditorium.
Dr. Mansur, drawing from his extensive experience in the financial sector, expressed that no other country’s financial sector has been similarly compromised through state mechanisms. He acknowledged that while it is possible for bank management to be weak and inflation to occur, the situation in Bangladesh is unprecedented.
With College Principal Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiyan presiding over the event, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman also participated as a special guest. The Governor accused a particular family of controlling seven banks and financial institutions illegally.
Highlighting the role of S Alam and his family, who he claimed held 80 percent of shares in Islami Bank, Dr. Mansur questioned the legality of their acquisition. He attributed this situation to failures within state machinery and Bangladesh Bank, describing the individuals involved as political directors.
Dr. Mansur further disclosed that this family received protection from the highest levels of the state, which allowed them to take control of multiple banks and drive them into bankruptcy. Despite being aware of these activities, he noted that little could be done due to underlying reasons.
The discussion meeting saw participation from college teachers, bank officials, and students, followed by a question-and-answer session with the Bangladesh Bank Governor.