Bangladesh Bank arranged a special award ceremony at its headquarters in Motijheel on Thursday to formally recognize and honor officials from Sri Lanka's Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC).

The recognition was for their "exemplary vigilance, professionalism, and integrity" in preventing a US$20 million fraudulent transaction during the 2016 Bangladesh Bank reserve heist incident.

The Governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, stated that the ceremony transcended mere recognition, serving as a tribute to ethics, prudence, and human values that transcend borders.

He highlighted that the decisive actions of the Sri Lankan officials not only safeguarded Bangladesh's financial interests but also bolstered global trust in the integrity of the banking system.

Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, welcomed the guests, expressing gratitude for their "exemplary role in preventing a financial breach that could have resulted in significant loss."

He noted that the ceremony was a "long-overdue tribute to a group of individuals whose actions demonstrated the highest standards of vigilance and ethical conduct at a critical moment in global financial history."

He added that their integrity not only protected monetary assets but also reinforced the values that bind the global financial community.

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Baharul Alam, thanked the Sri Lankan bankers for their due diligence and assistance provided to the Bangladeshi investigation team in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Alam emphasized that the event symbolized appreciation and a reaffirmation of cross-border cooperation, financial integrity, and institutional accountability.

The event also celebrated the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, underscoring shared commitments in financial regulation, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation.

The ceremony included cultural showcases and multimedia presentations highlighting Bangladesh's economy, natural beauty, and contributions to peacekeeping and inclusive finance.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation of bilateral cooperation between the central banks and a pledge to deepen collaboration in areas such as financial crime prevention, technology-driven oversight, and cross-border regulatory coordination.

The event was attended by High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh. Top executives from Pan Asia Bank, including the award recipients, were also present, along with four Deputy Governors and the Head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit, and other high officials from Bangladesh Bank, according to a press release.