Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that ensuring the independence of the Bangladesh Bank is essential to address the country's ongoing economic challenges.

Speaking to reporters, Amir Khasru said, "If we want to solve Bangladesh's economic problems, we must ensure the independence of the central bank independent. During our time, there were no political appointments in the Bangladesh Bank. We even abolished the Banking Division because it served no real purpose — but it was later reinstated, creating further complications."

He added that most of the major economic reforms in Bangladesh took place during BNP's tenure.

Criticising current banking practices, the former commerce minister said banks are using short-term deposits for long-term lending, which is driving up non-performing loans in the sector.

He also stressed the need for capital market development, saying, "Without improving the capital market, no amount of central bank reform will bring meaningful results."

 

politics / Bangladesh Bank