Staff Reporter :
Although the existing rules prohibit any current or former government officials serving as central bank governor or deputy governor, arbitrary appointments had been made by the previous government to these posts to exert undue influence, said Fahmida Khatun, executive director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
“Although there are numerous issues plaguing the banking sector, the previous government granted digital banking licenses to inexperienced individuals under political considerations and for nepotism,” she said while speaking at a shadow parliament organized by Debate for Democracy on FDC premises in the capital on Sunday.
Fahmida noted that as strained bilateral relations with India may pose challenges to trade, alternative sourcing options can be pursued to ensure continuity.
Regarding the agreement with India’s Adani Group, the executive director of CPD said, “The controversial and lopsided power import deal with Adani, negotiated without public input, highlights the need for a more transparent and equitable approach.”
Mentioning that the Bangladesh Bank provided emergency funds to distressed banks to safeguard depositor interests, she said these funds cannot be used for loans or business activities.
Speaking at the event, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiran criticised the previous government, alleging that it had established a system of theft and plunder, far surpassing the mere financial irregularities highlighted in the white paper.
He noted that the laundered funds could have financed numerous infrastructure projects, including 75-80 Padma bridges, while defaulted loans could have funded 14 metro rails and additional Padma bridges.
“We used to need cattle from India, but now we have our own. If we can’t get things like onions, potatoes, or yarn from India, we will find those somewhere else or produce ourselves,” Kiran said.
