Palatine Media, a UK PR firm, attempted to discredit Ahsan Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, by sending false corruption allegations to MPs prior to his meetings on asset recovery. The allegations lacked evidence and were met with scrutiny from parliamentary groups. Mansur’s established reputation complicates Palatine’s efforts, highlighting the challenges facing the interim Bangladeshi government in combating corruption and misinformation.
A recent incident involving Palatine Media, a UK public relations firm, attempts to smear Ahsan Mansur, the governor of Bangladesh Bank, ahead of his scheduled meetings with British parliamentarians. These meetings center on the critical issue of repatriating wealth misappropriated during the previous administration. The firm disseminated false accusations of corruption to MPs, timed just before Mansur’s discussions in London regarding the recovery of stolen funds.
The Bangladesh Bank estimates that approximately $25 billion was embezzled during the Awami League’s 15-year governance through fraudulent loans. Some of these misappropriated funds have reportedly been traced to the UK, where they were invested in high-value real estate by individuals connected to former officials. Notable names include Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, who holds a significant property portfolio, and members of the Beximco family’s leadership.
In light of this situation, S. Alam, a key figure alleged to have misappropriated vast sums, has engaged a reputed law firm for legal defense, indicative of the stakes involved. In a controversial move, Palatine Media issued emails to parliamentarians that included baseless allegations against Mansur, using an anonymous source and posing as a legitimate news outlet.
Mansur, a seasoned economist who formerly served with the International Monetary Fund, has established a reputable profile in his efforts to tackle corruption. The PR firm’s claims, which cite unfounded allegations of hidden wealth within Mansur’s family, lack credible evidence. The supposed supporting article from International Policy Digest merely mentioned his daughter’s directorship of a foreign company without concrete proof of illicit wealth.
Moreover, questions of authorship have arisen regarding the article circulated by Palatine Media. The piece attributed to a fictitious William Fry used a stock image, indicating potential disinformation. The firm distanced itself from the article’s authorship but maintained that the concerns it raised regarding the Bangladeshi financial landscape warranted consideration by MPs.
Despite Palatine Media’s assertions of compliance, its actions seem inconsistent with the ethical guidelines outlined by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations. In particular, its covert nature and refusal to disclose client details contradict the principles of transparency and honesty expected in lobbying activities.
Mansur has pointed out the significant pushback he faces as he endeavors to secure international backing for asset recovery efforts. Recent reports indicate that MPs from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Responsible Tax and Corruption have escalated the matter to parliamentary cyber security and foreign affairs committees for investigation, underscoring the gravity of the communications received. This ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by the interim government in addressing corruption and countering misinformation amidst significant political turmoil and discontent in Bangladesh.
In summary, the attempt by Palatine Media to undermine Ahsan Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, appears to have backfired, attracting scrutiny from UK parliamentarians and drawing attention to its questionable ethical practices. Mansur’s efforts to tackle corruption are a crucial aspect of Bangladesh’s governance, while the allegations against him present significant challenges amid attempts to repatriate stolen assets. This episode exemplifies the ongoing struggle against disinformation and dubious political tactics in the context of governance and accountability.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
