In a significant move to combat corruption within Bangladesh’s financial sector, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has intensified its investigation into the personal lockers of Bangladesh Bank officials. On February 9, 2025, an eight-member ACC team, led by Director Kazi Md Sayemuzzaman, conducted a thorough search of the central bank’s vaults. The operation aimed to inspect lockers associated with 25 current and former officials, including ex-Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder. However, the ACC found no lockers registered under the names of these individuals.
Background of the Investigation
The ACC’s heightened scrutiny follows earlier discoveries that have raised concerns about potential misconduct among high-ranking bank officials. On January 26, 2025, a raid on former Deputy Governor SK Sur Chowdhury’s locker revealed assets worth approximately Tk 50 million, including significant amounts of foreign currency and gold. These findings prompted the ACC to broaden its investigation, leading to the identification of over 300 secret lockers linked to both current and former Bangladesh Bank officials.
Recent Developments
Armed with court approval, the ACC’s recent operation involved a meticulous examination of the locker registers at Bangladesh Bank’s Motijheel branch. Despite allegations suggesting that the 25 targeted officials might have stored illicit assets in these lockers, the search concluded without finding any lockers registered in their names. ACC Director Sayemuzzaman stated, “We verified the names and designations of the 25 individuals in the complaint with the safe deposit records. Since none of them have made any deposits, we have prepared a blank list.”
Ongoing Efforts and Future Actions
The ACC remains committed to its investigation, acknowledging that numerous other officials are under scrutiny. Director Sayemuzzaman emphasized that further raids will be conducted as per court instructions, stating, “There are more allegations against other officials, and the ACC will carry out additional raids as per court instructions.”
In a proactive measure to prevent the potential concealment or destruction of evidence, the ACC has requested that Bangladesh Bank restrict access to all lockers associated with its officials. This move aims to ensure the integrity of the ongoing investigation and uphold transparency within the nation’s central banking institution.
Conclusion
The ACC’s rigorous actions underscore its dedication to rooting out corruption within Bangladesh’s financial system. As the investigation progresses, the commission’s efforts are anticipated to shed light on the extent of illicit activities and reinforce accountability among banking officials. The nation watches closely, hopeful that these measures will lead to a more transparent and trustworthy financial sector.
