Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the cancellation of the appointment of the newly appointed governor of Bangladesh Bank to ensure the central bank’s independence, neutrality, and freedom from conflicts of interest.
The demand was made by TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference titled “Top strategic priorities for implementing the government’s commitments to good governance and anti-corruption: TIB recommendations.”
The event was held at the organization’s head office at Midas Centre in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, on Thursday.
According to TIB, Mostakur Rahman was appointed as the new governor of Bangladesh Bank after Mansur was removed from the position.
The organization said questions have been raised about whether the new governor’s business background could create a potential conflict of interest in his role as the head of the country’s financial sector regulator.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said concerns have emerged regarding the process of appointing the governor of Bangladesh Bank.
He said the position should be filled by someone with proven expertise and experience in the relevant sector, and who is capable of performing the responsibilities of the role without any conflict of interest.
He also suggested that a well-thought-out strategy should be adopted to ensure that forces within the BNP that oppose the government or undermine its success do not gradually become uncontrollable.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman further said a coordinated strategy and roadmap should be developed based on the BNP’s 31-point state reform outline, election manifesto, and the “July Charter.”
He added that in implementing anti-corruption commitments made during the election, the government should identify potential challenges and risks alongside its opportunities and capabilities, and adopt strategies to address them.
The TIB executive director also said that, in the interest of transparency, the government should disclose which ordinances introduced during the tenure of the interim government will or will not be placed before the 13th National Parliament, and the reasons behind those decisions.
TIB also put forward several strong recommendations regarding structural reforms of state law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
From the press conference, the organization directly proposed the repeal of the controversial Police Commission Ordinance 2025. It also called for the complete abolition of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), along with major reforms in key intelligence agencies, including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Special Branch (SB), Detective Branch (DB), and National Security Intelligence (NSI).
Dr Iftekharuzzaman said a new government has come to power and has taken several new initiatives, but it would be too early to comment on those measures.
Among others present at the press conference were TIB Adviser Dr Sumaiya Khair, Director (Outreach and Communication) Mohammad Towhidul Islam, and Director (Research) Md Badiuzzaman.
