BB governor leaving job amid protest

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Ahsan H Mansur is stepping down from his position amid protests by officials and speculation over his possible replacement by the government.

He left office around 2:00pm today, shortly after holding a press conference, terming the protest a “conspiracy” by a vested quarter and alleging that a small group of officials is undermining discipline and recent financial sector achievements.

Later, talking with The Daily Star over the phone, he said he did not resign but left office after seeing news on several television channels about the appointment of a new governor.

“There are formalities remaining. I will complete them later,” he said.

Mansur arrived at the BB headquarters at about 12:00pm, as a section of officials continued their protest against him.

He cancelled all scheduled meetings for the day before leaving the office, following reports that the government may appoint a new governor for the country’s central bank.

"I wish success for the new government and the successor," he said.