Bangladesh Bank Governor Mohammad Mustafaur Rahman has assured that banks will not align with any political party, although supporters of various political parties may exist within the banking sector. He highlighted ongoing efforts to recover assets smuggled abroad, including $25 million seized in the UK, and reforms to expedite the resolution of bad loans. The Governor emphasized that the primary goal of current reforms is to ensure professionalism, accountability, and good governance in bank management and loan distribution.
During a courtesy meeting with leaders of the Editors' Council at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters, the Governor discussed various economic and banking sector issues. He informed about steps taken by the Bangladesh Bank, including the progress of merging weak banks, restructuring the boards of major banks like Islami Bank, and measures to protect depositors' interests. The Governor also spoke about digital transformation in the banking sector, aiming to create a unified digital financial ecosystem.
Regarding concerns about the banking sector, the Governor assured that banks will continue to operate independently and resist political pressures. He mentioned that priority would be given to good customers for loans from a Tk 20,000 crore fund announced for reviving closed factories. The Governor also noted efforts to increase the number of independent directors in banks and stressed that interest rates would not be suddenly reduced, requiring time for adjustment. He added that the dollar rate would be determined by the market.
The meeting concluded with mutual assurances of continued cooperation to maintain economic stability. Editors' Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud expressed satisfaction with the discussions, highlighting the importance of the banking sector in the economy and the need for mutual trust and information exchange.
