BB officials demand finance adviser's resignation as autonomy proposal scrapped
The protesters announced that they would finalise their next course of action after discussing with all levels of employees after the elections
Officials of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) today (9 February) demanded the immediate resignation of Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, even for a single day, following the interim government's decision to cancel a proposal aimed at ensuring the central bank's full autonomy.
The demand was raised during a protest rally held under the banner of the Bangladesh Bank Officers Welfare Council in front of the bank's headquarters in the capital.
The unrest follows a recent letter from the finance adviser to Governor Ahsan H Mansur, in which he stated that amending the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 requires a "cautious approach" and should be left to an elected political government.
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'Double-sided position'
Addressing the rally, Council President AKM Masum Billah claimed that the proposal for autonomy was sent to the finance ministry in early October last year but was discarded without a proper review process.
"When the finance adviser served as the governor of the central bank, he was a vocal proponent of this autonomy," Billah said.
He went on to say, "But now, he has written to the governor saying it is not necessary. We are demanding his resignation because of this double-sided position. Even if it is for just one day, we want him to step down."
He further noted that both leading political parties have included central bank autonomy in their election manifestos for the upcoming polls.
"Whichever party forms the government, we want them to implement this as soon as possible," he added.
Deep disappointment among staff
General secretary of the council, Golam Mostafa Shraban, read out a written statement during the protest, highlighting that an independent and capable central bank is essential for maintaining economic stability and reforming the financial sector.
Interim govt will not amend Bangladesh Bank Order to ensure full autonomy: Finance adviser
"While various structural reforms have been implemented by the interim government, the failure to enact the much-awaited Bangladesh Bank Order Amendment Ordinance has created deep disappointment and anger among officials at all levels," Shraban said.
He reminded the gathering that the council had previously submitted a memorandum to the finance adviser in August 2024, seeking measures for institutional strengthening, but "no visible progress" has been observed to date.
The protesters announced that they would finalise their next course of action after discussing with all levels of employees after elections on 12 February.
