Bangladesh Bank (BB) in the face of criticism Wednesday withdrew remittance award given to Shahjahan Bablu, a fugitive businessman accused of embezzling around Tk400 crore from different banks, including Janata Bank.
In a letter, the central bank asked Janata Bank to take back the award comprising crest, certificates and commemorative coins given to Bablu, who was nominated by Janata as one of the top remitters.
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Monday handed over the award to the representative of Shahjahan Bablu along with other 35 top remitters.
It is alleged Janata Bank without background check nominated loan defaulters and launderer Bablu for the prestigious Remittance Award.
Shahjahan Bablu, who is a top defaulter of Bangladesh Commerce Bank Ltd (BCBL), laundered Tk184 crore abroad through the bank in the name of export, according to the latest investigation carried out by Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU).
He laundered money through BCBL and brought money through Janata Bank. He received this remittance medal for bringing expatriate income through Janata Bank.
When contacted, Assistant Spokesman of Bangladesh Bank Anwarul Islam confirmed Dhaka Tribune that the central bank asked Janata to take back the award of Shahjahan Bablu.
Bangladesh Bank rewarded 36 persons and institutions for sending migrant income (remittance) through official channels. The awards were given in five categories.
