Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), central body for prevention of money laundering and terror funding, has launched its standalone website to strengthen anti-money laundering activities.

The BFIU Chief Md. Masud Biswas officially launched the website (https://www.bfiu.org.bd) at Jahangir Alam Conference Hall 3rd floor of Bangladesh Bank (BB) building on Monday.

Earlier, the web content of BFIU was displayed as a separate page on the website of Bangladesh Bank.

In Bangladesh, the prevention of Money Laundering Act was enacted in 2002 to curb money laundering. At the same time, to make these activities fruitful, money laundering prevention department was established by Bangladesh Bank in July 2002.

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The department was described later in 2012 as a separate entity called Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit.

In the web portal brief descriptions, work of BFIU, Circulars and Guidance Notes issued from time to time have been included.

BFIU statement said through the portal, people of all walks of life will be able to lodge complaints with the BFIU, keeping their identities secret, if necessary.

In addition, the steps taken by BFIU to raise public awareness about money laundering and terrorist financing will be displayed in the website, which will help raise awareness among common people.

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Besides, web links with introductions from various international organizations such as APG, FATF, Egmont Group, Security Council and donor agencies are included, which will help keep stakeholders updated on other issues, including international regulations on money laundering and embezzlement.

On the other hand, the Financial Intelligence Unit of different countries will be able to easily inform the concerned international organizations about the updated steps taken by BFIU to prevent money laundering.