The ongoing unrest and employee protests within Bangladesh Bank have long been a concern, but recent incidents have escalated the situation to a critical level. The public expulsion of the Governor’s adviser, Ahsan Ullah, has raised serious administrative alarms. Analysts suggest that political patronage may be a driving force behind this prolonged instability in the central bank.
Last Wednesday, the episode centred on Additional Director Touhidul Islam, who allegedly attempted to forcibly remove Ahsan Ullah from the premises. Earlier, rumours regarding a potential change in the governorship prompted Ahsan H. Monsur to leave the bank. Such episodes highlight the precarious nature of internal management at Bangladesh Bank.
Bangladesh Bank is designated as a Key Point Installation (KPI), a status that reflects its critical role in national security and public interest. Globally, central banks impose strict limits on gatherings within such sensitive installations. To reinforce security, certain public services—such as the sale of savings certificates and prize bonds, and the exchange of damaged banknotes—have been suspended since November last year. A bank official explained:
“As a KPI institution, we have taken the decision to suspend these services to ensure the highest level of security.”
Despite this, various employee associations and clubs have long exerted influence through sustained movements, mob actions, and frequent interventions. Currently, nine formal associations and clubs remain active within the bank, shaping internal affairs and elections.
Bangladesh Bank Associations and Clubs
| Association / Club | Members / Focus | Election Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Officers Welfare Council | Assistant Directors and above | Annually / Biennially |
| Officers Association | Cash Officers | Annually / Biennially |
| Bangladesh Bank Club | All categories of staff | Annually / Biennially |
| Yellow Group | Politically affiliated officers | Participate in elections |
| Green Group | BNP-affiliated officers | Participate in elections |
| Blue Group | Awami League-affiliated officers | Participate in elections |
| Nationalist Forum | Various employees | Participate in elections |
| Bangabandhu Parishad | Politically affiliated officers | Participate in elections |
| Zia Parishad | Politically affiliated officers | Participate in elections |
The Yellow, Green, and Blue groups are particularly politically driven. The Blue Group aligns with the Awami League, the Green Group with the BNP, and the Yellow Group unites officers with mixed political leanings. These factions actively participate in elections for the Officers Welfare Council, Officers Association, and Bangladesh Bank Club, often influencing outcomes.
Analysts warn that the interplay of political influence and association activity threatens both the bank’s security and its public services. Without stringent administrative reforms and a reduction of political interference, internal unrest and harassment are likely to persist.
This turmoil is not merely an internal issue; it directly affects national economic stability, public confidence, and the country’s financial security. Experts stress that only decisive administrative action, coupled with the mitigation of political influence, can restore order and ensure the continuity of Bangladesh Bank’s essential operations.