BB officials hold protest against Governor Mansur, threaten pen-down strike
Officials demand the withdrawal of transfer orders for three officers and the revocation of their show-cause notices
Officers and employees of Bangladesh Bank held a protest today (25 February) against what they described as "autocratic" conduct by Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur, threatening a pen-down strike from tomorrow if their demands are not met.
The protest was held at 11am under the banner of the Bangladesh Bank Officers' Welfare Council at the base of the Bangladesh Bank building.
Its President AKM Masum Billah announced the next course of action.
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Officials and employees announced that if their demands – including the withdrawal of transfer orders for three officers and the revocation of their show-cause notices – are not met, they will begin a symbolic pen-down strike from tomorrow.
Masum said, "The governor has taken several autocratic measures, which we strongly condemn. Yesterday, three of our colleagues were transferred even before they could respond to their show-cause notices. We approached him to resolve these issues, but he refused to meet us. Therefore, we demand the immediate withdrawal of the show-cause notices, the reversal of transfers, and the fulfilment of our other demands today."
Furthermore, discussions will be held on Sunday (1 March) with officials at all levels to decide the next course of action, he added.
At the protest, Shahriar Siddiqui, BB director and assistant spokesperson, said, "We sought autonomy for Bangladesh Bank, but what we have received is autocracy. We do not wish to operate under such unilateral authority."
He continued, "Contractual appointments have been made extensively in Bangladesh Bank. While the governor may require several advisers and consultants, no effective policy has been adopted so far for the benefit of the economy. He continuously questions the integrity of Bangladesh Bank officials, undermining morale. Moreover, his statements regarding the banking sector are having a negative impact on the industry. The central bank cannot operate solely at the governor's discretion; he must be held accountable for all actions."
Mofizur Rahman Khan Chowdhury, executive director and deputy head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), said, "We hope he [governor] will consider and implement our legitimate demands. No unreasonable requests have been made. Appropriate measures must be taken to preserve the dignity of the central bank."
