Bangladesh Bank has called ten individuals for interviews to appoint the next head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The interviews are scheduled for December 11 and 12. However, the selection process has sparked alarm. According to central bank officials, several individuals shortlisted for the position, including some tied to the S Alam Group during the previous Awami League government, have faced accusations of benefiting from bank irregularities and corruption. BFIU summons bank account details of Sheikh Hasina, Rehana They warn that appointing such individuals could undermine the integrity of the financial intelligence body and derail efforts to recover laundered money. Observers have expressed grave concerns, highlighting the significant role of the BFIU in tackling financial crimes. They fear that appointing individuals implicated in corruption or linked to bank fraud could compromise the unit’s credibility. Some critics claim this could jeopardize the recovery of laundered funds and render past sacrifices, including the struggles of students and disabled individuals, meaningless. The ten individuals called for interviews include former Bangladesh Bank Executive Directors AFM Shahinul Islam, Nazrul Islam, Zahurul Huda, Akhtarul Islam, and Nurul Amin, as well as current Executive Directors Rafiqul Islam, AKM Ehsan, Mamun Hossain, Md. Saiful Islam Khan, and a former deputy managing director of NCC Bank. BFIU freezes bank accounts of 11, including 10 journos Among the candidates, Zahurul Huda has attracted particular criticism. After retiring from Bangladesh Bank, Huda reportedly joined the training academy of the S Alam Group. Following S Alam Group's takeover of National Bank, he was appointed as an independent director of the bank. Sources allege that during their tenure at Bangladesh Bank, some of the shortlisted candidates extended undue concessions to the S Alam Group. In return, they reportedly secured lucrative positions in the conglomerate upon retirement. BFIU seizes bank accounts of cricketer Shakib Al Hasan Critics argue that appointing such individuals to lead the BFIU could lead to the collapse of crucial financial oversight and anti-corruption measures. They call for greater scrutiny and transparency in the selection process to ensure the integrity of Bangladesh’s financial system.

Hundreds of employees, recently dismissed from three banks owned by the S Alam Group, staged a one-hour road blockade in the Moijjartek area near Shah Amanat Bridge on Sunday morning, causing severe traffic congestion and paralyzing the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway. The protestors demanded immediate reinstatement, claiming they were unfairly terminated without notice. The protest, which began at 10 am, brought vehicular movement to a standstill, leaving commuters stranded. Office-goers were seen walking to their destinations as traffic remained backed up for kilometers. The dismissed employees accused the banks of violating employment norms, alleging they were terminated without prior notice or any valid reason. "We are peacefully protesting against this injustice and appealing for a humane resolution. If our demands are ignored, we will escalate our movement," said one protester. A former employee of Social Islami Bank Limited (SIBL) said, “For three months during the crisis, we worked tirelessly to help the bank recover, sometimes from morning till 10 pm. And now, with one notice, they have thrown us out. We have families to support. Does the government not feel any responsibility toward the people of Chattogram, who have always stood by the nation during crises?” According to sources, 672 employees of SIBL were dismissed on October 30, 262 employees of Union Bank dismissed on November 21, and 250 employees of Islami Bank have been dismissed. Indefinite transport strike enters day 2 in Benapole Protesters argued that they were recruited following due process and that their dismissals were unjustified. They submitted memorandums to the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Chief Adviser. They also issued a warning of larger-scale protests if their grievances are not addressed. The blockade ended after an hour, following intervention by the police and army, which restored normal traffic flow.