Bangladesh Bank (BB), the central bank of the country, today organized a special award ceremony at its headquarters in Dhaka to formally recognize and honor a group of officials from Pan Asia Banking Corporation, Sri Lanka, for their exemplary vigilance, professionalism, and integrity in preventing a $ 20 million fraudulent transaction during the 2016 Bangladesh Bank reserve heist incident.
The event was graced by the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, the Inspector General of Police and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh. Top executives from Pan Asia Bank, including the awardees themselves, were also in attendance. Four Deputy Governors and the Head of Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit were also present, along with other high officials of the Bangladesh Bank.
Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, welcomed esteemed guests to the event and to the country as well. He conveyed his gratitude for playing an exemplary role in preventing a financial breach that could have resulted in a significant loss. This ceremony marks a long-overdue tribute to a group of individuals whose actions demonstrated the highest standards of vigilance and ethical conduct at a critical moment in global financial history. Their integrity protected not just monetary assets, but also reinforced the values that bind the global financial community together. The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Dr. Baharul Alam, thanked the Sri Lankan Bankers for the due diligence they performed and the help they extended while the investigation team from Bangladesh was there in Sri Lanka. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Home Secretary, on whose initiative this recognition has come, and also to Bangladesh Bank, even though it has been several years, for giving it shape. As the saying goes, better late than never. Today’s event is not only a symbol of appreciation but also a reaffirmation of the values we uphold in terms of cross-border cooperation, financial integrity, and institutional accountability. In the closing remarks, the Governor of Bangladesh Bank stated: This ceremony goes beyond the act of recognition. It is a tribute to ethics, prudence, and human values that transcend borders. The decisive action taken by these Sri Lankan officials protected not only Bangladesh’s financial interest but also reinforced global trust in the integrity of the banking system.
The event also celebrated the enduring partnership between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, emphasizing shared commitments in financial regulation, cybersecurity, and regional cooperation. It featured cultural showcases and multimedia presentations highlighting Bangladesh’s economy, natural beauty, and global contributions to peacekeeping and inclusive finance. The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation of bilateral cooperation between the central banks and a pledge to deepen collaboration in areas such as financial crime prevention, technology-driven oversight, and cross-border regulatory coordination.
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