TIB calls for cancellation of Bangladesh Bank governor's appointment

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the cancellation of the appointment of Bangladesh Bank’s new governor, Mostakur Rahman, urging the government to ensure the central bank operates as an independent, neutral, and conflict-free institution.

The demand was made on Thursday (March 5) at a press conference held at TIB’s office in the capital's Dhanmondi, where the organisation’s executive director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, raised concerns over the recent appointment.

He said questions have emerged regarding the process of appointing the Bangladesh Bank governor, stressing that the position should be filled by a person with proven competence and experience in the relevant field and someone capable of performing the responsibilities without any conflict of interest.

On February 25, the government removed economist Ahsan H Mansur from the post and appointed Mostakur Rahman as the new governor of the central bank.

However, critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest stemming from Rahman’s business background and his role as the head of the financial sector’s regulatory authority.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said selecting a suitable individual free from conflicting interests is crucial for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of the central bank.

He also urged the government to adopt a well-considered strategy to prevent forces opposed to governance reforms from gaining strength within the BNP's internal politics. He recommended formulating an integrated strategy based on BNP’s 31-point state reform outline, election manifesto, and the "July Charter."

The TIB executive director further said the government must identify obstacles to implementing its anti-corruption commitments and take measures accordingly. He also called on BNP leaders and activists at all levels, as well as bureaucrats and business leaders, to demonstrate zero tolerance towards corruption and ensure integrity in practice.

At the press conference, TIB also proposed scrapping the Police Commission Ordinance 2025, initiating reforms in intelligence agencies including DGFI, SB, DB, and NSI, and dissolving the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

TIB Director Mohammad Towhidul Islam and other officials were also present at the briefing.