An internal probe has revealed that a man has worked at Bangladesh Bank for 12 consecutive years using another person’s identity, prompting the central bank to cancel the imposter's appointment and dismiss him and suspend his uncle, an official who allegedly facilitated the fraud.
According to the investigation information, in 2013, Md Abdul Warez Ansari, the genuine candidate appointed to the position of assistant director (General), opted to join the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration Cadre) instead of taking up the bank post. He is currently serving as the additional deputy commissioner of Narayanganj.
However, then-deputy director of human resources Md Shahjahan Mia allegedly exploited this vacancy to appoint his nephew using the original candidate’s name, photograph and identity.
According to Bangladesh Bank officials, the impersonator forged national identification documents, including a photo ID, to secure the job.
Over the span of 12 years, he received two promotions and eventually held the position of joint director.
His last posting was at Bangladesh Bank’s Rajshahi office.
Speaking to the media, Arif Hossain Khan, executive director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, said: “Our investigation confirmed that the individual in question was not the real Abdul Warez Ansari. His appointment has been cancelled and he has been dismissed from service. We are also investigating whether others have committed similar frauds. Law enforcement agencies are currently looking into the matter.”
He added that Shahjahan has been suspended and a formal inquiry has been initiated against him.
Reacting to the incident, the real Abdul Warez Ansari said: “In 2013, I received appointments from both Bangladesh Bank and the [BCS] Administration Cadre. I chose to join the civil service. A few days ago, I learned someone had been employed at the central bank under my name and was later dismissed. Had the bank’s salary disbursement system been fully integrated with national identity verification, this issue could have been detected much earlier.”
Sources within Bangladesh Bank acknowledged that the fraud was made possible due to lapses in identity verification and document authentication during the recruitment process.
Officials described the incident as unprecedented in the institution’s history.
The impersonator worked at Bangladesh Bank until Tuesday, when his appointment was formally revoked.
Attempts to contact him by phone were unsuccessful, as the number was found to be inactive.
A senior official at the central bank said the incident has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the bank’s recruitment process.
“It is now imperative to take exemplary action against all individuals involved in this deception,” the official added.
Bangladesh Bank has said that, upon conclusion of the ongoing investigation, strict legal measures will be taken against those found responsible.