Photo: Collected

DHAKA, March 9, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Bank (BB) has appointed observers at National Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank, Premier Bank, and IFIC Bank to facilitate closer monitoring of their financial and operational activities.

Confirming the development, Arief Hossain Khan, executive director and spokesperson of the central bank, described the move as a routine regulatory measure. 

“The decision to appoint observers at these banks is part of a continuous process,” Khan stated, noting that the initiative aligns with the central bank’s ongoing oversight responsibilities.

Under the new assignments, the monetary authority has designated four directors from specialized internal departments to oversee the respective institutions. 

Munir Ahmed Chowdhury, director of the Bank Supervision Department-12 of BB, has been appointed as an observer to National Bank.

Mohammad Anisur Rahman, director of the Islami Banking Regulations and Policy Department, has been assigned to observe Al-Arafah Islami Bank.

ANM Moinul Kabir, director of the Payment Systems Department-1, has been appointed for Premier Bank.

AKM Kamruzzaman, director of the Forex Reserve and Treasury Management Department-1, has been appointed for IFIC Bank.