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. 

Finance ministry officials said the process is underway to replace Mansur with a new governor.

The Financial Institutions Division (FID) under the ministry has submitted a proposal to Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, to which he has given his consent.

If the prime minister approves, it will be sent to the president’s office. After that, a gazette notification will be issued.

On the issue, FID Secretary Nazma Mobarek met the finance minister at his office at 1:45pm.

Responding to the media after coming out of the finance minister’s office, she said, “Please wait. I do not want to say anything right now. If there is anything, you will know.”