Finance Minister silent on Mansur’s exit

Staff Reporter :

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has refused to comment on the departure of Ahsan H Mansur from the post of governor of Bangladesh Bank.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on 26 February, the minister said he had “nothing to say” when asked whether Mansur’s removal, following protests by central
bank officials, was handled properly.

Earlier that day, newly appointed Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman met the finance minister.

The meeting lasted about 30 minutes. When reporters asked what was discussed on his first day in office, the minister replied, “No comments.”

Later, journalists again asked whether Mansur should have been removed in that way. The finance minister repeated his response, saying he had “nothing to say.”

He gave the same answer when asked if the process of Mansur’s departure was appropriate.

The minister’s remarks came after an unusual and dramatic situation at Bangladesh Bank the previous day.

While Mansur was inside the bank’s headquarters, a group of officials protested outside the main building. They accused him of acting in an “autocratic” manner.

As the protests continued, unconfirmed reports began circulating that a new governor had been appointed.

This created confusion and uncertainty within the central bank. Eventually, Mansur left the building before his replacement was officially announced.

Officials familiar with the institution said such open protests inside the central bank are unprecedented in its history.

Later that day, Md Mostaqur Rahman FCMA was officially appointed as governor of Bangladesh Bank for a four-year term, replacing Ahsan H Mansur.

The Financial Institutions Division (FID) of the Finance Ministry issued a gazette notification confirming the appointment.

Mostaqur Rahman is currently the managing director and CEO of Hera Sweaters Limited and chairman of the BGMEA Standing Committee on Bangladesh Bank.

He was also a member of the BNP’s election steering committee during the 13th national election earlier this month.

He will later hold separate meetings with the executive directors. At 1:30pm, he is expected to attend a program at the Secretariat, according to sources.

Earlier, the government removed former governor Ahsan H Mansur and appointed Mostaqur Rahman as his successor.

For the first time in the central bank’s history, a businessman has been appointed as governor.