Policy dialogue on trade-based money laundering held in Ctg

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), in collaboration with the Association of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Officers of Banks in Bangladesh, recently organised a policy dialogue on the prevention of trade-based money laundering (TBML) at the Chittagong Club Ltd.

The dialogue aimed to strengthen the national response to TBML risks and foster collaboration among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Md Mofizur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, acting head of the BFIU, attended the event as the chief guest, according to a press release.

In his speech, Chowdhury said, “With the collective cooperation of regulatory authorities and financial institutions alike, we shall establish a more robust, resilient and enduring culture of compliance across society.”

He also moderated the first panel discussion, titled “TBML in Bangladesh: Banking Risks, Regulatory Framework and Challenges in Compliance”, which brought together senior banking leaders and customs officials to discuss contemporary issues such as evolving TBML typologies, sanctions compliance and gaps in trade finance monitoring. Md Mostakur Rahman, director of the BFIU, was present as the special guest.

The second panel discussion, titled “International Best Practices to Prevent TBML: Combined Approach and Way Forward”, focused on global perspectives and strategies for harmonising local regulations with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards.

Experts stressed the importance of integrated sanctions screening, cross-border information sharing and capacity building to tackle emerging risks in trade-based money laundering.