Press Release

Charity Commission opens statutory Inquiry into charity linked to Bangladeshi madrassa

25 March 2009

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, has today opened a statutory Inquiry into the charity called Green Crescent Bangladesh UK (registered charity number 1099233). The inquiry follows reports this morning about alleged terrorist activity in an orphanage and madrassa said to be supported by the charity in Bangladesh.

The inquiry will focus on determining the extent of the links between the charity and this activity, whether or not the charity, its funds, or funds raised on its behalf were used unlawfully and the role of the trustees in this. The inquiry will also consider the financial and governance practices of the charity particularly as regards its overseas activity.

Andrew Hind, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission said;

"We are working with relevant law enforcement and other agencies to investigate the allegation that terrorist activity is connected with the charity. The matter is of serious concern to us, and we are taking this action given the gravity of the matter, the public interest and the need to protect charity work and funds.

We intend, as is normal procedure, to publish a statement of the results of the inquiry setting out our findings once the inquiry is completed."