Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has told Parliament that appointments to key financial institutions were not politically influenced during previous Bangladesh Nationalist Party governments.
Speaking in the Jatiya Sangsad on Thursday, he said, “Every time when the BNP was in power, appointments in Bangladesh Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission were non-political. That’s why financial discipline did not face problems during those times.”
He made the remarks while responding to opposition concerns over alleged politicisation of appointments during the passage of two amendment bills related to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority.
Addressing questions about the central bank, the finance minister said the Governor of Bangladesh Bank is not affiliated with any political party. “Supporting a party in election activities does not make someone a party member,” he said.
He added that the Prime Minister has decided that no political figures would be appointed to the financial sector. “The Prime Minister has taken a decision that no political person will be appointed in the financial sector,” he said.
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said elections in Bangladesh involve wide participation from people across society, and such involvement should not be equated with party membership. “Elections are a huge task in Bangladesh. Many people contribute in different ways. Supporting election activities does not mean being a party member,” he said.
Turning to the insurance sector, he said it is currently facing significant challenges. “The insurance industry in Bangladesh is passing through a very difficult situation. Many companies have emerged due to mismanagement, corruption and patronage, and they are not complying with laws and regulations,” he said.
Explaining the need for legal amendments, he said age-related restrictions should be reviewed in line with global standards. He noted that life expectancy has increased from around 57 at the time the laws were enacted to about 72 now. “In almost all countries where securities commissions operate successfully, there is no such age barrier,” he said.
He added that Bangladesh is entering a new economic phase and needs flexibility to attract qualified professionals. “If qualified and skilled people are to come forward, these issues must be considered. There is no room for emotion here,” he said.
Earlier, Parliament passed the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote after the finance minister moved them separately.
The session saw an unusual exchange between treasury and opposition members after the bills were passed. Opposition lawmakers sought to speak, but Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal initially said there was no provision for discussion at that stage. He later allowed Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman to address the House.
Responding to the subsequent remarks, the finance minister said post-passage discussion was not permitted under parliamentary rules but addressed the concerns raised. “There was actually no opportunity for such discussions after a bill was passed. Even then, since questions have been raised, we have to respond,” he said.
