In a significant move to strengthen the country’s financial oversight, the government of Bangladesh has appointed Iqtiaruddin Mohammad Mamun as the new head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU). The appointment, announced on January 12, 2026, comes at a critical juncture as the nation intensifies its crackdown on money laundering and seeks to restore stability to its financial intelligence apparatus.
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A Strategic Leadership Transition
The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance issued a formal notification confirming that Mr. Mamun will lead the BFIU for a two-year term. This high-profile role carries the rank and status equivalent to a Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, the authority and responsibility vested in the position.
The notification specified that the appointment is grounded in Section 24(1)(gh) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended in 2015) and Rule 22 of the Money Laundering Prevention Rules, 2019.
As a condition of this high-profile role, Mamun is required to sever all existing work-related ties and relationships with other institutions and organizations.
Mr. Mamun succeeds Shahinul Islam, whose tenure ended abruptly in September last year. His arrival marks a fresh start for an agency that serves as the primary watchdog against suspicious financial activities and illicit money flows in Bangladesh.
Who is Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun?
Mr. Mamun is far from a newcomer to the world of finance and regulation. Prior to this appointment, he served as a Tax Commissioner at the National Board of Revenue (NBR). His background is distinguished by both academic and professional excellence.
Dr. Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun possesses an exceptionally multidisciplinary educational background. His journey spans from a rigorous technical foundation in Engineering to advanced professional expertise in Accounting, followed by specialized global education in Public Finance and a PhD in Economics.
This unique combination of engineering logic and high-level economic theory makes him a formidable leader for the BFIU.
Educational Background Dr. Mamun
1. Doctoral Research (2011 – 2015)
- Institution: Monash University, Australia
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics
- Significance: Monash is one of the world’s top-ranked universities for economics and research.1 A PhD from this institution indicates a deep mastery of economic modeling, data analysis, and policy research, which is essential for identifying systemic financial risks and money laundering trends at a national level.
2. Specialized Public Policy Education (2005 – 2006)
- Institution: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Tokyo, Japan
- Degree: Master of Public Finance
- Significance: GRIPS is a premier global hub for policy studies.2 This degree likely focused on tax policy, revenue administration, and public expenditure management—key competencies for a career in the BCS (Taxation) cadre and his current role overseeing financial integrity.
3. Professional Cost Accounting Qualification (2003 – 2007)
- Institution: Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB)
- Designation: Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)
- Significance: This professional qualification is what grants him the FCMA (Fellow) status. It provides him with the “forensic” eyes needed to audit complex corporate structures, investigate balance sheets, and detect suspicious transactions that a generalist might miss.
4. Business Leadership (1994 – 1996)
- Institution: Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka
- Degree: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Significance: IBA is the most prestigious business school in Bangladesh.3 This degree provided him with the management, organizational, and financial strategy skills necessary to lead large government departments and inter-agency task forces.
5. Technical Foundation (1988 – 1993)
- Institution: Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
- Degree: B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
- Significance: Starting his academic journey at BUET—the nation’s top engineering university—highlights a strong background in mathematics, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving. This technical background often distinguishes elite civil servants in their ability to handle complex system-wide reforms.
Educational Timeline Summary
| Period | Institution | Degree / Qualification |
| 2011 – 2015 | Monash University, Australia | PhD in Economics |
| 2003 – 2007 | ICMAB, Bangladesh | Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) |
| 2005 – 2006 | GRIPS, Tokyo, Japan | Master of Public Finance |
| 1994 – 1996 | IBA, University of Dhaka | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| 1988 – 1993 | BUET, Bangladesh | B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering |
| 1986 | HSC | Barishal Cadet College |
Why This Matters for BFIU
Dr. Mamun’s profile is a rare blend of The Engineer’s Logic, The Accountant’s Precision, and The Economist’s Vision.
- His BUET and IBA degrees provide the structural and managerial grit.
- His ICMAB qualification provides the investigative toolkit.
- His GRIPS and Monash education provide the global perspective required to navigate international financial regulations (like FATF).
- Authoritative Voice: He is also a recognized author on VAT and financial laws, contributing to the professional literature that guides many of the country’s accountants and legal practitioners. He has also authored books including Fundamentals of Accounting With Special Emphasis on Income Tax and Vat
Academic & Professional Contributions
Dr. Mamun is widely respected in the accounting and tax fraternity for his literary and instructional contributions:
- Author: He wrote the seminal book “Fundamentals of Accounting With Special Emphasis on Income Tax and VAT” (Liton Publications), a key reference for tax practitioners.
- Adjunct Faculty: He has shared his expertise as an instructor at North South University (NSU) in the Department of Management.
- Editor: Served as the Associate Editor for The Cost & Management, the official journal of ICMAB.
Professional Career & Job History
He is a high-ranking member of the BCS (Taxation) cadre with decades of experience in the National Board of Revenue (NBR).
- Tax Commissioner, NBR: Served as a Commissioner in various Tax Zones, managing large-scale revenue collection and tax administration.
- Task Force Lead (2024): Headed the NBR’s specialized 7-member committee responsible for restructuring the Income Tax Law to make it more taxpayer-friendly.
- First Secretary (Tax Policy), NBR: Played a critical role in drafting national fiscal policies and Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs).
- Additional Commissioner (LTU): Served in the Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU), which handles the most complex and high-value corporate tax accounts in Bangladesh.
The Road Ahead: BFIU
As the head of the BFIU, Mr. Mamun faces a demanding agenda. The unit is the central agency responsible for:
- Combating Money Laundering: Monitoring large-scale and suspicious transactions that could signal the “whitening” of illegal funds.
- Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF): Identifying and blocking the flow of funds to extremist organizations.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Working closely with the NBR, CID, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to ensure a unified front against financial crime.
- International Compliance: Aligning Bangladesh’s financial practices with global standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Why This Matters Now
The financial sector in Bangladesh is currently undergoing a period of reform. With remittance inflows hitting record highs and the government pushing for digital tax submissions, the need for a transparent and robust BFIU has never been greater.
By appointing a professional with both tax administration and cost management expertise, the government is signaling a shift toward technical proficiency and accountability. Mr. Mamun’s first task will likely be to restore confidence in the agency’s neutrality and effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
The appointment of Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Mamun is a promising step for Bangladesh’s financial health. His unique blend of NBR experience and professional accounting background provides the BFIU with a leader who understands the technicalities of “following the money.” As he takes charge at the Bangladesh Bank Annex building, the financial community will be watching closely to see how his leadership reshapes the fight against financial crime.