Staff Reporter:
Ahsan H Mansur, the former governor of Bangladesh Bank, is being described by the institution’s officers and staff as the most despised and criticised governor in its history. Within two weeks of his departure, a sense of relief has returned to the central bank. Many employees claim that Mansur’s exit marks the end of “autocratic rule” within the institution.
A breach of professionalism
The officers and staff of Bangladesh Bank are generally known for being peace-loving and professional. Occupying roles in a key point installation (KPI), they typically avoid political activities unless their core interests are threatened. While central banks worldwide prohibit internal rallies and demonstrations—a rule usually respected by Bangladesh Bank staff—the situation under Mansur reportedly forced them into collective action.
The “Bangladesh Bank family” united against what they termed his “irrational and stubborn” management style. On the day of his departure, tensions reached a boiling point; reports suggest he was unceremoniously forced out by agitated employees. An additional director allegedly led the physical removal of an adviser by the scruff of the neck to a vehicle. Mansur reportedly fled the premises as news of a leadership change sparked escalating tensions.
Widespread relief across associations
There are nine clubs and associations within the central bank, including Bangladesh Bank Officers’ Welfare Council (assistant directors and above), Officers’ Association (cash officers), and Bangladesh Bank Club (open to all staff).
Leaders across these groups expressed relief at his exit. Touhidul Islam, an additional director, said, “Ahsan Mansur did not just damage Bangladesh Bank; he damaged the entire banking system and the national economy.” Another officer remarked that while past governors faced opposition over specific policies, none had ever been labeled a “public enemy” to this extent.
Historical context of governor ousters
The report draws comparisons to previous instances of unrest at the central bank:
1. Khorshed Alam (1996): Appointed by the BNP government in 1992, his appointment was cancelled by the newly elected Awami League government a month before his term ended. He was besieged by employees over unpaid salary adjustments and could only leave safely after the new governor, Lutfar Rahman Sarkar, intervened.
2. Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed (2009): On his final day, he was reportedly cornered by the Officers’ Welfare Association and CBA leaders demanding increments. He eventually had to exit through an alternate gate to avoid a crowd of over a hundred protesters.
The distinction: Senior officials argue that current events differ from the past. Previous protests were centered on internal demands (like pay and increments), whereas the movement against Ahsan Mansur was fuelled by allegations of “anti-national activities” and systemic mismanagement.
Allegations of autocracy and mismanagement
Shahriar Siddiqui, Director and Assistant Spokesperson, said: “We wanted autonomy for Bangladesh Bank, but Ahsan Mansur initiated autocracy. He relied on expensive consultants while ignoring effective economic policies. He demoralised staff by questioning their competence and made comments that negatively impacted the entire banking sector.”
Key grievances included:
• Contractual appointments: Allegations that he bypassed standard rules to hire outsiders and reappoint advisers (such as Ahsanullah) against the wishes of regular staff.
• Administrative barriers: The “Executive Floor” was reportedly locked off, creating an “unprecedented and insulting” distance between the administration and the officers.
• Stagnant promotions: Despite nearly 2,000 vacant first-class positions, promotions were allegedly stalled for 18 months, leading to a “man-made manpower crisis.”
• Institutional identity: Critics claim Mansur attempted to run the central bank like an NGO, disregarding its traditional role as a regulatory pillar.
The Officers’ Welfare Council has called for a high-level independent investigation into Mansur’s tenure, citing administrative irregularities, violations of financial rules, and conflicts of interest.
