Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)-The Bangladesh Bank (BB) asked the chief executives and managing directors of the commercial banks Tuesday to take necessary measures so that no one can use the banking channel for terror financing within the country.
The central bank of Bangladesh came with the move in the backdrop of mounting political violence including arson attacks during the BNP-led 20-party alliance-called non-stop blockade alongside frequent strike.
The BB asked all the high-ups of the commercial banks to send letters to their respective branches across the country within February 11 to take action in this regard.
The BB gave the direction during a meeting with the chief executives and managing directors of the commercial banks at the central bank headquarters in Motijheel, the commercial hub of Bangladesh.
After the meeting, Abu Hena Mohammad Razee Hassan, the deputy governor of the BB, briefed newsmen about the direction.
The BB took the initiative as a precaution so that criminals could not use the banking channel for finance in terrorist activities like firebombing vehicles within the country, the deputy director said.
At least 72 persons mostly innocent were killed during political violence in Bangladesh that brewed on January 5, the first anniversary of country’s 10th general election.
Following the 2014 election, the Awami League government assumed power while the main opposition BNP boycotted it.
Since then, BNP and its allies have been demanding a fresh election.
BBN/ASI/AD-10Feb15-5:30pm (BST)