Asif Mahmud discloses Tk 1 million bank balance after accounts sought by BFIU

He claims the intention behind seeking his bank accounts was to “defame” him

Former advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has revealed that he holds just under Tk 1 million in his bank accounts after authorities sought details of his financial records.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson disclosed his own and his family members’ bank accounts at a press conference on Wednesday, alleging that various accusations were being raised to “defame” him.

Asif claimed a fresh wave of propaganda began after his name surfaced as a potential party candidate for the post of mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

He said one of his accounts holds Tk 978,626 and another Tk 9,930.

His father, a teacher, has Tk 547,711 across five accounts.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), the financial sector intelligence agency, sought details of Asif’s bank accounts on Tuesday.

At the press conference, Asif said the BFIU sought bank accounts of 56 individuals.

He added that the agency sent clear messages to banks saying the information was confidential.

“But in the BFIU’s official journalists’ group, they themselves made that confidential information public. As a citizen, I believe this violates an individual’s privacy,” he claimed.

He said singling out his bank account exposes the “ill intent” behind such an inquiry, the intention being to “defame” him.

Journalists covering the Bangladesh Bank beat said there is no such group, “official” or otherwise, run by the BFIU for reporters.