B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has clarified that individuals or groups accused of money laundering abroad will not be allowed to return to the boards of directors of any banks.

The central bank issued the clarification amid growing public and media concerns over whether persons previously linked to financial irregularities, loan scams, and money laundering could regain positions in the banking sector.

Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan made the remarks yesterday, addressing confusion surrounding certain provisions of a recent banking sector reform ordinance.

He said the clarification was necessary as recent media reports raised questions about whether controversial individuals might be rehabilitated into bank ownership or management.

“The information presented in some media outlets regarding the recent reform ordinance has sparked various questions,” Arief said.

“There are concerns that individuals or groups involved in past irregularities could find a way back into bank ownership or management,” he added.

Explaining the ordinance, he noted that while former directors or sponsors may have the option to regain ownership by paying 7.5% of their dues, this is not automatic. The process will involve strict scrutiny and full regulatory supervision, he said.