Deputy governors of Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday pledged to work forward irrespective of pressure or intimidation from higher-ups, in the aftermath of the fall of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.
In a meeting with bank beat reporters and the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) at the Bangladesh Bank premises on the day, they also revealed that they could not talk about the irregularities and corruption of the previous regime as they feared losing their jobs.
The deputy governors talked to journalists because Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder did not come to the office on the first day of the opening of the office after the fall of the government.
However, Bangladesh Bank has long lifted the ban on journalists' entry.
Kazi Sayedur Rahman, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, said: "I hope you (journalists) will not go for any news that may cause economic damage to the country. But you must do the news which benefits the country."
Then he talked about central bank irregularities, he said: "Due to certain restrictions we are unable to disclose information on various irregularities. But now we will highlight everything. You don't need to come, we will deliver it."
"We are waiting for the new government," he also added.
But they held out the assurance that given the new circumstances, they would work with renewed passion and full honesty.
Regarding the governor's absence, Sayedur Rahman said: “The governor is not in office today due to stress. He asked everyone to continue their work.”
During the meeting, the reporters were also told that the central bank would not grant any incentive package or stimulus for businesses hampered in the crisis.
If any bank feels that its clients are affected, the bank will take measures based on individual banker-customer relationship, said Kazi Sayedur Rahman.
Three other deputy governors were also present at the meeting.
BB now fully open to journalists
Journalists can enter the Bangladesh Bank premises freely from now on, said Deputy Governor Kazi Sayedur Rahman.
He said journalists can now come normally as before to gather information at the Bangladesh Bank. Earlier there were some restrictions on entry, but now there is no problem in entering.
It may be recalled that the Bangladesh Bank had severely restricted journalists' access to its premises from April 25.
Journalists were then allowed only to visit the spokesperson of the bank at its building by using a specific permit issued by the bank.
Civil society organizations, journalists, and human rights advocates all harshly criticized the central bank's decision.
Bank reopens
Although all banks reopened on Tuesday, not all branches were opened. Branches have been opened considering the risk.
All offices and courts in the country have opened from Tuesday as per a press release by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday night.
However, the Bangladesh Bank said, considering the risk, the banks can keep the branches open and asked them to ensure security. Banks have taken action accordingly.