Islami bank financing militants: Tuku

Islami Bank spends around eight percent of its profit to finance militants, the home state minister has claimed. UPDATES

Dhaka, Feb 28 (bdnews24.com) — Islami Bank spends around eight percent of its profit to finance militants, the home state minister has claimed.

"Bangladesh Bank is looking into the matter. Islami Bank will submit its accounts to the home and finance ministries to explain where it stands," Shamsul Hoque Tuku said on Monday.

The bank would submit its necessary papers to a meeting of the home ministry's committee on militancy, scheduled to be held on April 7, he said.

After a regular meeting of the committee at the Secretariat, Tuku told reporters, "We've information on transfer of funds from the bank to the Islami Bank Foundation. Bangladesh Bank has stopped the fund transfer through a circular."

"The central bank is monitoring terrorist financing and the intelligence agencies have been asked to look into the matter," he added.

Though regulations require the Zakaat fund to be spent in eight phases, Islami Bank spent it in 16 phases. Intelligence agencies were asked to investigate whether Zakat funds were being properly used, Tuku said.

CAMPAIGNS UNDERWAY

The junior minister said different campaigns were underway to raise awareness against terrorism. In one such programme, Imams are campaigning against terrorism.

"The inspector general of police was asked to build awareness through community policing across the country. Different campaigns were undertaken to prevent recruitment of terrorists in educational institutions and militant training in madrasas."

The home state minister called on the opposition to refrain from making statements that might encourage militants or the rise of militancy.

"Come to parliament and speak out against drugs and terrorism," he said, alluding to the main opposition BNP.

Tuku added that the tightened security during World Cup had scared the terrorists.

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