‘Controversial video’ leakBFIU chief claims AI-driven conspiracy

A ‘controversial video’ of Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) Chief AFM Shahinul Islam has gone viral on social media, sparking discussions in Bangladesh Bank and elsewhere since its release on Monday.

Officials have expressed mixed reactions over the matter.

Terming it a conspiracy, Shahinul Islam said, “This is a fake video and a plot against me. A vested quarter has been after me from the very beginning, and this is part of that conspiracy.”

He further alleged that the incident was orchestrated after some companies and individuals became aggrieved by his activities. “They stitched together videos of my office meetings and, using artificial intelligence, created and spread an indecent and immoral video. Following complaints, Facebook has since removed it,” he said.

Shahinul Islam further said, “After the fall of the fascist government, I was tasked with preventing money laundering and recovering laundered assets. In fulfilling this duty, I have inevitably made enemies. To bring back people’s money, I had to file cases against many and freeze crores of taka. Each day, I created new enemies. This is a continuation of their ill efforts. I strongly condemn such acts and urge everyone not to be misled by false or propagandist videos.”

The BFIU chief said law enforcement agencies have already taken the matter into account and begun investigating. “Bangladesh Bank is my beloved institution. It must not be dishonoured. You will be glad to know that law enforcers have already started working to trace the real culprits. I am hopeful the offenders will be brought under the law soon,” he added.

Sources claimed that the recent controversy surrounding BFIU Chief AFM Shahinul Islam is part of a conspiracy to remove him from his position. Former acting BFIU Chief AKM Ehsan, who is set to retire on 28 August, is reportedly seeking to take over the post.

The sources added that, as Joint Director of BFIU, Ehsan had supplied documents against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Orphanage Trust case, which were later used to secure her conviction.

Contacted, Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said, “Since BFIU is an autonomous body, the central bank will not comment on this issue.”

The BFIU chief has filed a general diary (GD) with Gulshan Police Station over the leak of the ‘fake’ video.

Shahinul Islam took charge as BFIU chief on 12 January this year. He previously served as the unit’s deputy head and as an executive director of Bangladesh Bank.

The BFIU, operating under Bangladesh Bank, is tasked with combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.