News Flash
DHAKA, Oct 21, 2025 (BSS) - BNP standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today said that the party has never engaged in giving appointments to Bangladesh Bank (BB) based on political considerations.
“Instead of making political appointments, the BNP implemented major economic reforms,” he said while addressing as the chief guest at a seminar on ‘The Imperative for Central Bank Independence' at a hotel in the city.
The event was organized by the Policy Research Institute (PRI), a private research organization in Bangladesh.
In his speech, Amir Khasru Mahmud stressed that the BNP is firmly committed to the independence of the central bank.
He further emphasized the importance of this autonomy, stating that an economic structure cannot be built without central bank’s independence.
To ensure the central bank’s independence, the BNP leader called for a focus on legal, structural, and appointment-related issues.
PRI Vice Chairman Dr. Sadiq Ahmed presided over it while PRI Principal Economist Dr. Ashikur Rahman delivered a presentation.
Chairman of the Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) Abdul Hai Sarker, BB Chief Economist Dr. Mohammad Akhtar Hossain, CPD Executive Director Dr. Fahmida Khatun, President of the Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) Syed Nasim Manzur and Chairman and CEO of the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Dr. M. Masrur Reaz were present as distinguished panelists.
PRI Chairman Dr Zaidi Sattar delivered the closing remarks.
Dr Zaidi Sattar Bangladesh needs a central bank that will support macroeconomic stability and promote growth-friendly policies. “Central Bank independence is ideal, but it doesn’t look easy to happen at once, as it is a very political decision,” he added.
Dr Akhtar Hossain said that the central bank should enjoy autonomy under the government, rather than full independence.
Dr. Fahmida Khatun outlined four reasons why an independent central bank is necessary. “The political government must take the initiative by passing an independence law and ensuring its proper implementation. The financial sector is the lifeline of the economy, and safeguarding its integrity is essential,” she added.
Dr Nasim Manzur said, “Full independence of the Bangladesh Bank is what we need, not merely autonomy. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the institution depends on leadership, underscoring the importance of a transparent and merit-based appointment process for the Governor.”
Dr. Reaz remarked, “Bangladesh must have a clearly defined monetary policy role, with explicit legal provisions prohibiting direct government lending. Bangladesh Bank should determine its own budget. The X-factor here is political will. Without it, none of these reforms will work. Politicians must learn from past experiences.”
