The government has initiated the process of appointing managing directors (MDs) of state-owned banks from among serving deputy managing directors (DMDs) who possess strong professional competence, leadership qualities and relevant banking experience. A shortlist of 19 DMDs has been prepared for this purpose.
According to sources at the Ministry of Finance, new MDs for state-owned and specialised banks will be appointed from this list within the next month.
Sources said that in the past, MDs were typically selected from among senior and experienced officials across the banking sector. Departing from that practice, the government has now opted to appoint new MDs from among the DMDs of state-owned banks.
The appointment process is expected to cover Sonali Bank, Janata Bank, Agrani Bank, Rupali Bank, BASIC Bank, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB), Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) and Bangladesh Development Bank Limited (BDBL).
The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance aims to complete the recruitment process within the next month.
Intelligence agencies have already been asked to verify the credentials and background information of shortlisted candidates.
Sources said the authorities are also paying close attention to the possibility of political influence in the appointment process. It is alleged that some candidates are attempting to strengthen their positions through political connections and lobbying, leading to increased activity among potential contenders.
Meanwhile, although various departments have come under the development list of the last 100 days after the BNP government came to power, there has been no change in the posts of managing directors of state-owned and specialized banks. The managing directors appointed by the Awami League government and the interim government are still performing their duties. It is known that the impact of this is having an impact on the banks.
Meanwhile, in the future, state-owned banks will not only have to distribute loans, but will also have to focus on selecting genuine entrepreneurs, monitoring projects and ensuring proper use of funds so that new loans do not default. This requires skilled, professional and accountable leadership. Therefore, emphasis is being placed on ensuring competent, skilled and professional leadership by quickly completing the new MD appointment process of state-owned banks.
On the other hand, according to the Banking Companies Act, it is mandatory to appoint independent directors in scheduled banks, but this has not been properly followed in state-owned and specialized banks.
Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said, bankers play a major role in the development of the country. Therefore, we want this sector to be run by competent leadership.
