BB suspends assistant director over alleged fraud, crypto transactions, online betting
The official remains on the run as criminal investigation continues.
The Bangladesh Bank has suspended Assistant Director Rakibul Hasan Khan Rocky over allegations of fraud, online betting and cryptocurrency transactions.
The central bank announced the decision in an internal office order issued on 19 July.
According to the order, Rakibul was suspended with immediate effect under Section 45(5) of the Bangladesh Bank Staff Regulations, 2003. During the suspension, he will receive a subsistence allowance in line with the Bangladesh Bank Administrative Instructions, 2003.
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Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan told The Business Standard that Rakibul faces allegations of cybercrime, online betting and other serious offences.
He said Bangladesh Bank regulations require an employee facing a criminal case to remain suspended until the investigation is completed. The suspension will be withdrawn if Rakibul is cleared of the allegations.
Earlier this week, a Detective Branch team led by its chief Md Shafiqul Islam raided the Bangladesh Bank headquarters to arrest Rakibul.
However, he reportedly fled the premises after receiving advance information about the raid. He remains on the run, and law enforcement agencies have yet to arrest him.
Sources at Bangladesh Bank and the Detective Branch said Rakibul holds multiple accounts at different banks through which transactions involving crores of taka were allegedly conducted.
He is also accused of involvement in online betting and cryptocurrency transactions.
A case has been filed over the allegations, and an investigation is underway.
