BRAC Bank-BFIU Strengthens Anti-Money Laundering Measures

In a decisive move to fortify its defences against financial crime, BRAC Bank recently organised a specialised training session focused on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). The initiative aimed to raise awareness among the bank’s board members and senior management, strengthen accountability, and equip leadership with the necessary skills and tools to prevent financial malpractices.

The session was held at BRAC Bank’s headquarters in Dhaka and was led by top officials from the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The training was conducted by Md. Mofizur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, Executive Director and former Head of BFIU, alongside Zuweriya Haque, Deputy Director of BFIU. Both emphasised the importance of the “Tone from the Top” principle, which underscores that senior leadership plays a critical role in shaping organisational culture and ensuring adherence to AML and CFT standards.

Attendees included key figures from BRAC Bank’s governance structure, such as Chairperson Meheria M. Hasan, Vice Chairperson Faruk Moinuddin Ahmed, Risk Management Committee Chair Saleque Ahmed Abul Masrur, Audit Committee Chair Chowdhury M.Q.E. Sarwar, Managing Director and CEO Tarek Refat Ullah Khan, and other board members.

During the session, BFIU officials highlighted several critical areas of focus:

Ensuring leadership accountability at the highest level

Implementing risk-based decision-making frameworks

Strengthening monitoring systems to prevent financial crime

By adopting these principles, BRAC Bank expects to significantly enhance its ability to identify, prevent, and respond to money laundering and terrorism financing risks. The measures will also ensure that the bank’s operations remain in line with both national and international regulatory standards.

The following table summarises key details of the training session:

BRAC Bank representatives noted that such awareness sessions are critical not only for strengthening internal governance and risk management but also for safeguarding national economic security. By fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility, the initiative reinforces the bank’s commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of illicit financial activities.