Photo: Collected
The Bangladesh Bank has sent managing directors (MDs) of six banks, including four that were under the control of S Alam Group during the Awami League regime, on mandatory leave. Syed Waseque Md Ali, MD of First Security Islami Bank (FSIB), was the first to be sent on mandatory leave yesterday (4 January), according to an order.
In another order issued today, the MDs of EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, ICB Islamic Bank, and Union Bank were also sent on mandatory leave. Waseque's leave started today and will end on 4 April. Abu Reza Md Yeahia, the additional MD of the bank, will carry out the duties of the MD for the time being.
Media reports citing officials said the move comes as the task force, which was formed by the central bank for reforms in the banking sector, has decided to conduct forensic audits on these banks that have been pushed to the brink due to massive loan scandals and various irregularities, leading to liquidity crises.
Since the MDs were in office when the loan irregularities took place under the previous management or regime, they have been sent on leave to avoid conflict of interest and controversy and ensure transparency during the audit, according to the officials.
Messenger/JRTarek
