The conduct of Bangladesh Bank officials in forcibly removing a senior advisor from the Central Bank headquarters in Dhaka this week has raised questions about the institution’s integrity and discipline. The incident, described as “disgraceful” by a leading Bangladeshi daily, involved a mob of officials ejecting the advisor through physical intimidation and chanting slogans. The removal of Governor Ahsan H Mansur, known for his reform initiatives, further added to the turmoil at the Central Bank.
Reports indicate that the veteran economist Mansur was ousted as Governor amid internal chaos and mob presence at the Central Bank headquarters. The situation unfolded after Mansur’s press briefing and discussions regarding the appointment of a new Governor. Eyewitnesses reported that around 30 officials formed a mob, forcibly removing an Advisor to the Governor from the premises, sparking concerns about the institution’s independence and credibility.
The incident, marked by mob tactics at the Central Bank, has highlighted issues related to internal governance and the institution’s independence. The government is urged to take decisive action to restore discipline within the Bangladesh Bank and ensure that policy decisions are not influenced by those opposed to transparency and accountability. Failure to address these concerns could further erode public trust in the banking sector.
