Fake money floods South-West region

Counterfeit currency racketeers have become active in the south-western region, including Khulna, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Taking advantage of the rush of Eid shopping, the gangs are spreading fake notes of different denominations at markets through their agents.

A number of traders in Khulna city alleged that fake money makers are supplying the huge amount of notes at different markets taking advantage of the Eid when people hardly have chances to check each and every note they handle.

Some of the traders have already got forged notes, but they remain silent apparently to avoid legal hassles.

On July 21, police arrested one person with fake notes of Tk 500 and 1,000 denominations at Khalishpur in Khulna city.

Sources said money forging gangs have been running their illegal activities in the south-western districts for long.

The racketeers are now supplying fake notes at markets and shopping malls adopting various techniques, they said, adding that a huge number of forged note of Tk 100, 500 and 1,000 denominations are being spread because of their easy transaction.

Some unscrupulous bank officials, local criminals and even some corrupt public representatives are allegedly involved with the fake currency syndicates.

Police sources said fake currency-making equipment and chemicals are being bought from a neighbouring country.

A gang on the other side of the Bangladesh-India border is producing fake currency and supplying that to different places across the country through their local agents. Fake money racketeers are doing their illegal business in collusion with a section of corrupt politicians in exchange for a huge amount of money, said sources.

Though law enforcement agencies and Bangladesh Bank have taken various measures to check fake currency in the country but their efforts could not be achieved notable success in the region, alleged traders.