Ansar-VDP Development Bank's Firm Steps in Establishing Transparency and Good Governance

Daily Bijoy News Correspondent:

Ansar-VDP Development Bank has taken a strong step aimed at establishing transparency and good governance. Recently, through its own special audit program, the bank has uncovered preliminary information about financial irregularities amounting to approximately 11 crore Taka in its Noakhali and Senbagh branches spanning from 2020 to 2025. Two special audit teams have already been formed for a comprehensive investigation into this incident, and it has been announced that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits.

Major General Abdul Motalib Sazzad Mahmud, the Director General of the force and Chairman of Ansar-VDP Development Bank, discussed this matter in detail with media personnel at a views-exchange meeting held on Monday, October 20, at the force's headquarters in Dhaka. The Director General said, "There is a close relationship between the force and Ansar-VDP Development Bank. Regrettably, the bank, established with the goal of financial inclusion for the grassroots members of Ansar-VDP, could not achieve that target as desired in the past. However, we firmly believe that through good governance, transparency, and technology-based management, it is possible to take the bank to new heights."

He acknowledged that in the past, there were some shortcomings in digital monitoring, audit supervision, and loan disbursement in the bank's management. Currently, identifying these shortcomings, initiatives have been taken for a complete digital transformation by implementing the Core Banking System (CBS). He expressed hope that in the future, no individual or group will be able to take undue advantage of the bank.

Major General Sazzad Mahmud further mentioned that in the case of officer promotions, the highest importance is now given to honesty, efficiency, and contribution to maintaining the bank's financial transparency. The banking system is being strengthened in line with the policies of Bangladesh Bank.

He said that by punishing the wrongdoers and nurturing the good, Ansar-VDP Development Bank will be established as a well-governed, trustworthy financial institution for the people. He informed that by including experienced officers of the force on the bank's board of directors, positive changes in management are already visible. Once the investigation by the special audit teams is complete and the full picture of the irregularities is obtained and the responsible individuals are identified, swift legal action will be taken against them. Simultaneously, the relevant authorities, including the Anti-Corruption Commission, have already been informed to ensure the accused face prompt legal punitive measures.

Established in 1996, Ansar-VDP Development Bank is currently playing a significant role in the economic development and financial inclusion of Ansar and VDP members across the country through its 259 branches. The bank authorities believe that by establishing a culture of transparency, accountability, and good governance, the bank is progressing towards becoming a more capable and modern financial institution.

Present at the views-exchange meeting were Mir Mofazzal Hossain, Managing Director of Ansar-VDP Development Bank, senior officials of the force and the bank, and various media personnel.

Daily Bijoy News / M A Khaleq Khan