BB boss defends pro-poor growth agenda

FE Desk | Published: May 04, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

The head of the central bank has pledged to promote banking services with the major objective of boosting the ongoing financial services so the poor segment of the society gets the most benefit out of it.
"We want to do more for the people, particularly for the poor, in future through boosting our ongoing financial inclusion programme across the country," Dr Atiur Rahman, governor of the Bangladesh Bank, said on the eve of his seventh year as the central bank chief.
He took the helm of the central bank as the 10th governor on May 1, 2009 for a four-year term, which was extended for another term, the Bangladesh Bank said in a statement.
Recalling his first working day on May 3, 2009, the governor said that he expressed his commitment towards promoting pro-poor economic growth with a view to creating fresh employment opportunities through expansion of the industrial base across the country.
He also started promoting inclusive economic growth through innovative and multi-pronged financial inclusion initiatives, channelling more credit towards socially and environment friendly business activities.
BB under the leadership of Dr Rahman updated its loan classification and provisioning structure in line with the international standard to ensure good governance in the country's banking sector.
"Loan classification and provisioning structure have been upgraded to the international standards. Risk management including strict internal audit and control has been enforced to ensure good governance through heightened supervision," the governor said.
BB's pragmatic monetary and financial policies have also contributed to attaining content economic growth, maintaining lower inflation, competitive par value of Bangladesh Taka and comfortable foreign exchange reserve position despite episodes of global economic recessions.
Foreign exchange reserves crossed the $ 24 billion-mark for the first time on April 29 after steady growth of both export income and workers' remittance inflows.