B Mirror Report : Bangladesh Bank has reaffirmed that decisions regarding the country’s banking sector, including Islami Bank and other financial institutions, will be made strictly in accordance with existing laws and regulations, not under pressure from protests or public sentiment.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan said the central bank respects citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and legal recourse but will not yield to external pressure when making regulatory decisions.
Addressing concerns over bank governance, Khan emphasized that under the Bank Company Act, loan defaulters are prohibited from serving as directors of banks. He noted that allegations of a Tk 30 million default loan involving a director of First Security Islami Bank have been reported in the media and identified during a Bangladesh Bank inspection. The matter is currently under review, and legal action will be taken if violations are confirmed.
He added that the financial and legal eligibility of prospective directors, including their loan status, must be thoroughly verified before appointment, leaving no room for defaulters to remain on bank boards.
Regarding the recent situation at Islami Bank, Khan said the central bank allowed the bank’s board meeting to be held virtually via Zoom instead of in person, citing concerns over potential disorder linked to information circulating on social media. While maintaining law and order outside bank premises remains the responsibility of security agencies, Bangladesh Bank is closely monitoring internal security issues.
The spokesperson also stressed that political interference in banking operations will not be tolerated. According to him, the governor has instructed officials to report any political pressure directly, and necessary action will be taken.
Khan further warned against associating banks with any particular political party, saying such affiliations could undermine long-term stability, governance, and sustainability. Bangladesh Bank is reviewing whether any banks have become excessively linked to political interests and maintains that financial institutions should remain politically neutral to ensure sound governance and public confidence.
