BB seeks explanation from officials for holding press conference without permission

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) has asked three officials to explain why they held a press conference and spoke publicly on the central bank’s policy decisions, ignoring staff rules, officials said.

The BB issued the show-cause notices yesterday and asked the respondents to provide explanations within 10 days.

The development comes a week after a section of BB officials, under the banner of the Bangladesh Bank Officers’ Welfare Council, held a press conference on the BB premises.

At the press briefing, called suddenly on February 16, officials termed the BB governor’s position “autocratic” on several issues, including the merger of weaker banks with EXIM Bank and Social Islami Bank, and the initiative to grant digital bank licences.

The officials — Nawshad Mustafa, general secretary of the ‘Nil Dal’ at Bangladesh Bank and director of the SME Special Programmes Department; AKM Masum Billah, president of the Bangladesh Bank Officers’ Welfare Council elected from Nil Dal; and Golam Mostafa Shraban, general secretary of the council — have been asked to reply within the stipulated time, said a BB official requesting anonymity.

BB Executive Director and Spokesperson Arief Hossain Khan confirmed that he heard about the show-cause notices issued to the three officials.

According to BB staff regulations, prior approval from the governor is required before making statements at press conferences, meetings or seminars, or making public remarks.

The organisers of the press conference did not take permission for the event. 

Golam Mostafa Shraban confirmed that he received the show-cause letter.