Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury has stepped down from his position as chairman of Sonali Bank, citing personal reasons. His resignation brings to a close a brief but prominent tenure at the helm of Bangladesh’s largest state-owned commercial bank.
On Monday, 2 March, Chowdhury formally submitted his resignation in a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, citing personal circumstances as the main reason for vacating the post.
Professional Background
Prior to his appointment at Sonali Bank, Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury served as Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of Bangladesh, overseeing the nation’s public accounts and auditing processes. He also held the position of Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, gaining extensive experience in public financial management, regulatory compliance, and policy oversight.
Chowdhury was appointed as a director of Sonali Bank and shortly thereafter as chairman on 28 August 2024, following the student-led public uprising on 5 August 2024 that led to the resignation of the Awami League government. He assumed office during a transitional period for the country’s banking sector, with expectations that he would strengthen governance, regulatory oversight, and institutional accountability in the state-owned lender.
Despite these expectations, Chowdhury chose to resign within months of assuming office. Sources indicate that the decision was entirely personal, and no allegations of misconduct have been reported.
Career Highlights
| Position / Role | Tenure / Notes |
|---|---|
| Comptroller and Auditor General | Oversaw national auditing and public accounts |
| Secretary, Ministry of Finance | Senior government finance official |
| Director, Sonali Bank | Appointed 28 August 2024 |
| Chairman, Sonali Bank | 28 August 2024 – 2 March 2026 |
| Reason for Resignation | Personal reasons |
Chowdhury’s resignation comes at a pivotal moment for Sonali Bank, which plays a central role in financing both public and private sector projects. The chairman’s role is crucial for shaping financial policy, guiding institutional strategy, and ensuring operational oversight.
Observers note that his brief tenure reflects the common practice of appointing experienced civil servants to senior leadership positions in state-owned banks, particularly during periods of national transition and institutional reform. The bank’s board of directors is expected to consult with the Financial Institutions Division to recommend a successor in the coming weeks.
Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury’s departure highlights the challenge of balancing high-level administrative responsibilities with personal considerations. While his tenure was brief, his contributions as a seasoned bureaucrat and financial overseer were seen as stabilising for the institution during a period of organisational and national change.
As the search for a new chairman begins, stakeholders will be closely monitoring appointments that ensure continuity, strengthen governance, and maintain strategic direction in Bangladesh’s largest state-owned financial institution.