The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has directed banks to freeze the accounts of four companies associated with Md Akiz Uddin, a former deputy managing director of Islami Bank Bangladesh and personal secretary to the chairman of S Alam Group.

The companies affected by this directive are Rahman Rahman & Son’s, Moshtaq Traders, Nazrul Enterprise, and Alam Trading Builders.

According to the BFIU, the transactions in these accounts have raised concerns, prompting the anti-money laundering agency to take swift action.

The BFIU has not only frozen the accounts but also instructed banks to suspend all transactions involving these accounts. Additionally, banks have been asked to provide an update on the status of these accounts within the next five working days.

The move to freeze these accounts follows recent developments at Islami Bank, where Md Akiz Uddin has not reported to work since August 5, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country amid a mass uprising.

In the aftermath of these events, Islami Bank has dismissed eight high-ranking officials, including Akiz Uddin. These individuals were reportedly influential in the bank’s operations, particularly in matters related to loan approvals.

Industry insiders have suggested that the dismissal of these officials is part of a broader effort to address internal issues at Islami Bank, which has been under scrutiny for its management practices. The involvement of Akiz Uddin in these activities and his close ties to the S Alam Group have further complicated the situation, leading to increased attention from regulatory authorities.