The account holders concerned were found to have suspicious transactions in a recent investigation conducted by the central bank, sources said.

Several irregularities, including use of fake savings instruments as loan guarantee and the use of the loans in purchasing new savings instruments, were revealed during the BB investigation in 15 branches of nationalised and private commercial banks.

The investigation also found irregularities in the account opening procedures of the 46 account holders, sources said.

The central bank warned the banks to keep back from such fraudulent account holders in future.

BB asked all the banks to provide details about transactions in the accounts of the suspected persons. If they have separate account in any other branch, the banks will have to inform the central bank about it.

A list of the names of the account holders along with their father's or husband's name have also been sent to all the banks.