Ikhtiar Uddin Appointed Head of Financial Intelligence Unit

In a significant move to bolster the nation’s fight against financial crimes, the government has appointed Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun as the new head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). A seasoned official from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Mr Mamun previously served as a Tax Commissioner, bringing extensive experience in fiscal oversight and regulatory compliance to his new role.

Official Appointment and Tenure

The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance issued the official gazette notification on Monday, 12 January 2026. The appointment, signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Abraul Hasan Mazumder, confers upon Mr Mamun the rank and status of a Deputy Governor of the Bangladesh Bank.

According to the terms of the circular, his tenure is set for a period of two years, effective from the date of his joining. As per the standard protocol for such high-level regulatory positions, the appointment is contractual and requires Mr Mamun to relinquish all professional ties and responsibilities with other institutions or organisations to ensure total impartiality and a full-time commitment to the BFIU.

Regulatory Framework and Mandate

The appointment was made under specific legal provisions designed to maintain the integrity of the financial system. The BFIU operates as the central agency responsible for analysing suspicious transaction reports and coordinating efforts against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Strategic Importance of the BFIU

The BFIU serves as the "financial watchdog" of Bangladesh, acting as the bridge between financial institutions and law enforcement agencies. Mr Mamun’s transition from the NBR to the BFIU comes at a critical time when the government is intensifying its crackdown on illicit financial outflows and illicit wealth accumulation.

His background as a Tax Commissioner is expected to provide a unique advantage in identifying tax evasion schemes that often overlap with money laundering activities. Under his leadership, the unit is expected to enhance its digital surveillance capabilities and strengthen international cooperation with global financial intelligence networks.

The appointment follows a period of restructuring within the financial sector, aimed at restoring transparency and public confidence in the banking and fiscal systems. Industry experts believe that Mr Mamun’s expertise will be pivotal in implementing stricter monitoring of high-value transactions and ensuring that domestic banks adhere to global anti-money laundering (AML) standards.