A civic platform has urged the government to review the appointment of Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor, considering the 'conflict of interest' and other related issues that could undermine the roles of the central bank.
The platform named Nagorik Coalition or Citizens' Coalition has also called for appointing a new governor of the central bank after formation of a search committee comprising experts and conducting a hearing through a parliamentary committee.
"Recently, the process through which the new Governor of the country's central bank was appointed, as well as the official who was appointed, has caused concern among the country's civil society," the Coalition said in a press statement on Sunday.
Issued by the co-coordinator of the Citizens Coalition Fahim Mashroor, the statement said the country's banking industry was one of the affected sectors during the one and half decade of the fascist regime.
In this circumstance, it was believed that the country's central bank would be led by a competent governor who would defy the influence of politicians and the business community, according to the press statement.
"... we observed with surprise that on February 25 the government appointed as Governor of the central bank an individual who has no comprehensive experience or specialised expertise in the country's macroeconomic or in financial sector management," the coalition said in its statement.
Citing the new governor's affiliation with different business platforms, the coalition said: "In this regard, concerns of a conflict of interest have emerged from various quarters, since any policy of the central bank directly affects different business sectors".
It also raised a question over the capability of an active ruling party affiliate to lead the banking sector independently and ensure professionalism.
Mentioning that the country's economy still remains vulnerable, the Coalition also said it 'didn't believe' that the new governor would be able to regulate the banking sector going beyond the influence of the ruling party and powerful businesses.
The Coalition's appeal and concerns came after the government appointed Md Mostaqur Rahman as the 14th governor of Bangladesh Bank on February 25 for a four-year term.
saif.febd@gmail.com
