Palatine Media’s Smear Campaign Against Bangladesh Bank Governor Backfires
Palatine Media attempted to undermine Ahsan Mansur, governor of Bangladesh Bank, by disseminating false corruption allegations to UK MPs ahead of his meetings in London regarding the recovery of $25 billion embezzled by the previous regim. Mansur’s strong reputation and the context of his meetings raise serious ethical questions about the actions of the PR firm, leading to calls for investigation by parliamentary authorities.
A British public relations firm, Palatine Media, has come under scrutiny for attempting to undermine the governor of Bangladesh Bank, Ahsan Mansur, by distributing false allegations to UK Members of Parliament. This effort coincided with Mansur’s scheduled meetings in London aimed at discussing the recovery of an estimated $25 billion allegedly embezzled by the previous Bangladeshi government.
Allegations suggest that myriad wealth was siphoned off through fabricated loans during the Awami League’s lengthy administration. Numerous businessmen linked to this corruption, including former officials and their relatives, are thought to possess substantial property in the UK, creating an incentive for them to retaliate against efforts of recovery.
Mansur, a distinguished economist with years of experience at the International Monetary Fund, was appointed Bangladeshi central bank governor amid ongoing efforts to restore the nation’s financial integrity. His reputation remains impeccable, with no prior allegations against him prior to the PR firm’s smear campaign.
Palatine Media circulated emails containing allegations that Mansur’s family holds unexplained riches abroad, prefacing their claims with a reference to an article from the International Policy Digest that failed to substantiate any accusations of hidden wealth, instead merely mentioning his daughter’s role in a Singaporean company.
Concerns have surfaced regarding the authorship of the supporting article, credited to “William Fry,” whose accompanying image is a stock photo used under various names, casting doubt on the credibility of the claims. Palatine Media distanced itself from the article’s origins, asserting that it has no affiliation with its authorship.
This controversy raises serious concerns about the ethical standards of Palatine Media, with allegations that the firm is violating professional guidelines set forth by the UK’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations. Furthermore, their refusal to reveal client identities potentially breaches transparency requirements outlined in the institution’s Code of Conduct.
In a statement, Mansur expressed frustration about targeted disinformation aimed at discrediting his asset recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Responsible Tax and Corruption is reportedly taking measures to investigate the communications sent by Palatine Media, advocating for a comprehensive inquiry into the motives behind the allegations.
The actions of Palatine Media to discredit Ahsan Mansur, governor of the Bangladesh Bank, have triggered widespread scrutiny and raised significant ethical questions regarding the integrity of public relations practices within the UK. Mansur’s commendable reputation and continuous contributions to economic recovery highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in combating corruption and misinformation. The unfolding events symbolize a crucial intersection of global finance and local governance, warranting vigilance from both parliamentary and civil bodies to protect integrity in international relations.
Original Source: www.tbsnews.net
