Photo : Messenger
Authorities are on high alert as reports indicate an influx of significant funds through illegal hundi channels from abroad, intended to disrupt the forthcoming elections and incite unrest within the country.
The administration has proactively mobilised field intelligence to address this critical situation. To counter these potential threats, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is taking proactive measures, forming 25 specialised teams to intervene.
Collaborative efforts are underway involving various agencies, including customs intelligence, the money laundering unit of customs, the intelligence unit of Bangladesh Bank, and law enforcement intelligence units. Additionally, banks have been instructed to report any suspicious transactions to these intelligence units.
Khurshid Alam, an ACC lawyer, highlighted the grave concern of substantial foreign funds entering the country through hundi operations aimed at disrupting the upcoming elections, fostering terrorism, and inciting sabotage. Alam expressed, "The objective behind this influx of funds is to create fear among potential voters, hindering their participation in the upcoming national polls."
Alam further emphasised the heightened risk of militant groups exploiting these funds for acts of sabotage and terrorism. He stated, "The ACC has convened meetings with the Financial Unit of Bangladesh Bank, Customs Intelligence, and other law enforcement agencies to tackle this issue head-on. Our 25 dedicated teams are actively working to ensure a peaceful atmosphere leading up to and during the elections."
In response to a question, he said, a letter has been sent to the Council of Ministers Department from the members of the United Nations international organization Globe Network. This collaboration aims to curtail the inflow of illicit money through hundi channels.
Meanwhile, intelligence reports suggest that the current unrest has been strategically orchestrated in anticipation of the impending elections. Notably, opposition parties such as the BNP and Jamaat seek elections under a non-partisan, neutral government, leading to heightened agitation and, in some instances, violence. Reports indicate their intentions to instigate chaos by blockading roads and vandalising vehicles across the nation, with financial backing fueling these disruptive activities."
"Detectives have received explicit directives to remain vigilant and promptly report any dubious transactions occurring within banks, financial institutions, and among individuals. Notably, concerted efforts are underway to strengthen the collaboration between the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other pertinent establishments.
Minhaj Uddin, the head of the Money Laundering Prevention Team, conveyed to The Daily Messenger, "Our primary objective is to thwart money laundering activities, and concurrently, we stand prepared to identify and take decisive action against entities or individuals involved in clandestine money transfers via hundi. Concurrently, law enforcement agencies are diligently striving to prevent the exploitation of billions of dollars to sponsor terrorism and undermine the nation's stability.
"We are actively monitoring specific suspicious organisations and individuals, closely observing the nature of transactions occurring within their accounts," Minhaj Uddin added.
Asaduzzaman, overseeing the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the DMP, emphasised the heightened surveillance measures undertaken by their team. Members of the Financial Unit within the CTTC are engaged around the clock to forestall any untoward incidents.
"As certain factions are instigating various acts of sabotage nationwide, the potential for further disruptions cannot be discounted. We've identified instances of financing terrorism and incitement to sabotage. Our vigilance remains steadfast to prevent any resurgence of militant activities amidst the current situation," Asaduzzaman stated.
He continued, "We are implementing comprehensive monitoring, encompassing both online and offline domains. Furthermore, we are collaboratively engaging with various governmental bodies to curb the prevalence of hundi."
The former head of the Financial Intelligence Unit at Bangladesh Bank, Abu Hena Md. Raji Hasan, highlighted the collaborative efforts among the ACC, Bangladesh Bank, and allied institutions. Hasan stressed the importance of placing under scrutiny the banking transactions of targeted entities or individuals, especially following the dispatch of letters to banks. This proactive measure facilitates streamlined inquiries by law enforcement agencies into suspicious transactions.
Hasan underscored the significance of extending monitoring protocols by other law enforcement agencies within their respective jurisdictions. "Given the current circumstances, curtailing the prevalence of hundi has become imperative. I firmly believe that tangible outcomes will materialise swiftly following these concerted initiatives," Hasan remarked, drawing from his experience as a former officer. "
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Messenger/Disha
