BB will not provide illegal liquidity support to any bank: Governor

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur today said the central bank will not provide illegal liquidity support or other facilities to any bank.

“The depositors have the right to withdraw money from the ailing banks and the banks will be liable if they have lost confidence of their clients. If depositors withdraw money from a bank occupied by S Alam, it is the result of their actions. We have nothing to do about it. Because depositors have the right to decide where to keep their money,” he said.

The governor said this in a press conference after a meeting with a delegation of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at the BB headquarters in the city.

In his speech, Ahsan H. Mansur said BB will take strict action against the person involved in any irregularities.

“Action will be taken against irregularities but it will be against the person involved, and not the organisation. Because every organisation involves many employment issues,” he added.

Regarding Non-Performing Loans (NPLs), the governor said, “We want to adopt international standards regarding NPLs.”

“Traders have asked for some time to implement this, claiming it will affect export-import. We have said we will discuss it with the IMF, but there is no doubt that we will adopt international standards,” he added.

Asked if the Tk1,000 note will be cancelled, the governor said the Bangladesh Bank has made no such decision.

Among others, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, FBCCI former president and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Vice-Chairman Abdul Awal Mintu and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Executive President Mohammad Hatem attended at the meeting.

At the meeting, they demanded punishment of the people who scammed and looted banks in the name of doing business.

Talking to reporters, Abdul Awal Mintu said if the government cannot able to ensure punishment against the people who looted banks and acquired wealth illegally, then the good businessmen will not run their business.

“I have requested the governor to take strict action against them who acquired wealth illegally and didn’t return bank money,” he added. (BSS)