Ahmed said the reform programmes have helped bring discipline in the banking sector. However, some untoward incidents in private banks took place due to their internal problems.

"The reforms will be further strengthened to avoid such incidents in future," he told The Daily Star .

Ahmed joined yesterday his new assignment for a four-year term. He succeeded Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, whose term expired on April 30.

Besides the monetary management initiatives, the central bank will take some other initiatives, which will generate employment and help reduce poverty, he added.

Ahmed said small and medium term loans, which generate much employment, will be given priority in addition to big loans.

About soaring inflation Ahmed, former managing director of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), said the inflation rate is not in an alarming state.

The new governor said the central bank will review its advice to hike in lending rates but no immediate step will be taken in this regard. Rather the earlier policy will be followed. "This is a temporary step following high credit growth and some other reasons," he added.

Ahmed held separate meetings with different segments of officials including executive directors.