Khosru: No political interference in key financial institution appointments during BNP rule

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday told the Jatiya Sangsad that key financial institutions were kept free from political influence during BNP governments.

“Whenever BNP was in power, appointments to Bangladesh Bank and the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission were non-political, which helped maintain financial discipline,” he said.

He made the remarks while responding to opposition concerns over alleged politicisation during the passage of amendment bills related to the BSEC and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority in the morning sitting.

Addressing the issue of the central bank governor, Khosru said the position is not held by any political party member. “Taking part in election-related activities does not make someone a party member,” he added.

He also said the Prime Minister has decided that no political figures will be appointed in the financial sector. According to him, elections in Bangladesh involve people from various backgrounds, and participation in such activities should not be equated with political affiliation.

Highlighting challenges in the insurance sector, the minister said it is currently going through a difficult phase due to mismanagement, corruption and patronage, with many companies failing to comply with regulations.

Explaining the amendments, he said age limits for top posts needed to be reconsidered in line with global standards. “When these laws were enacted, life expectancy was around 57; now it is about 72. In most countries with effective securities commissions, there is no such age restriction,” he noted.

Khosru said Bangladesh is entering a new economic phase, and attracting skilled professionals requires greater flexibility. “There is no room for emotion here,” he added.

Earlier, the House saw an unusual exchange between treasury and opposition members after the passage of the bills, despite procedural rules not allowing discussion at that stage. The Jatiya Sangsad passed the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote.

Opposition members later sought to speak, but Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal initially said there was no provision for discussion after passage. He subsequently allowed Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman to make remarks.

Responding, the finance minister acknowledged that such discussions are not permitted under the rules but said he addressed the concerns as questions had been raised.