Staff Reporter : Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has declined to comment on the departure of economist Ahsan H Mansur from Bangladesh Bank, which was marked by protests and agitation. Asked on Thursday whether the manner of the governor’s exit was “right”, the minister repeatedly said: “I have nothing to say.” The response came following a 30-minute meeting at the Secretariat with the newly appointed Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman. Mostaqur, a garment exporter who took charge on Wednesday, also declined to take questions from the press as he left the building at 4:30pm. Pressed further about their discussion, the finance minister said only: “No comments.”The leadership change comes amid tension at the central bank.
On Wednesday, Mansur left his office amidst demonstrations. One of his advisors was also forced out under pressure from officials. The BNP-led government moved swiftly to terminate Mansur’s remaining term on Wednesday, replacing him with Mostaqur. Mansur, appointed by the interim government in August 2024 after the fall of the Awami League regime, had served for 18 months and led major banking reforms.
The appointment marked a break with precedent, as previous governors were typically economists, bankers or senior civil servants. Mostaqur has experience in the capital market and real estate.He was a member of the BNP’s electioneering committee for the parliamentary polls.Mostaqur, born in Dhaka in 1966 and hailing from Jampur Union, Sonargaon, Narayanganj, is the managing director and CEO of Hera Sweater Garments.
His elder brother Md Mostafizur Rahman Mamun was a senior vice-president of local BNP in his hometown.Mostaqur completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in accounting at Dhaka University, followed by an FCMA from the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB).He has over 30 years’ experience in corporate finance, export, institutional governance, and financial management.
