BB Governor rejects claims of govt interference

Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman on Friday dismissed allegations of government interference in the appointment of Islami Bank’s managing director, saying the selection process was completed through scrutiny, vetting and approvals at multiple levels and that the central bank remains focused on restoring stability to the country’s largest Islamic lender.

Speaking at a post-budget press conference organised by the Finance Ministry at the Osmani Memorial
Auditorium in Dhaka, the governor said Bangladesh Bank had taken a series of measures to support Islami Bank and strengthen confidence among depositors.

"We want to support Islami Bank. Various steps have been taken quickly to restore stability to the bank," he said.
Responding to concerns about the banking sector, Mostaqur Rahman said a significant portion of the sector was facing challenges, alleging that large amounts of money had been siphoned from some banks and that nearly one-third of deposits had been stolen. He urged patience, saying time would be needed to restore stability.

The governor said Bangladesh Bank was working to stabilise several weak banks, including Islami Bank, and noted that depositors who had long struggled to withdraw funds were now gradually getting access to their money.

Explaining the appointment process of Islami Bank's managing director, he said applications were received until March 25, after which reports were collected, candidates were vetted and interviews conducted. A new managing director was selected in May, and the appointment was finalised following approval by the committee headed by the finance minister and the prime minister.