Bangladesh Bank needs operational independence to work effectively: Finance adviser

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said Bangladesh Bank needs adequate operational and administrative independence to carry out its responsibilities effectively.

He said such independence must be balanced with strong accountability within the country’s sovereign framework.

Dr Salehuddin made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable titled “Banking Sector Reforms”, organised by The Financial Express at the Six Seasons Hotel in Dhaka on Thursday.

He also stressed the importance of appointing competent leadership in the banking sector through a transparent and merit-based selection process, saying this is essential for restoring confidence and improving governance.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur attended the programme as special guest, while Professor Dr Shah Md Ahsan Habib of the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) presented the keynote paper.

The session was chaired and moderated by Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor and chief executive officer of The Financial Express.

Mutual Trust Bank PLC was the title sponsor of the event. BRAC Bank PLC and NCC Bank PLC were gold sponsors, while Trust Bank PLC, Shahjalal Islami Bank PLC, Eastern Bank PLC and Mercantile Bank PLC participated as co-sponsors.