In a definitive measure to reinforce institutional transparency and eliminate potential conflicts of interest, Bangladesh Bank has introduced a rigorous prohibition on its staff regarding industry-funded professional activities. According to an official directive issued by the central bank on Wednesday, officials and employees are now strictly forbidden from participating in training programmes, seminars, and workshops financed by the commercial banks and financial institutions that fall under their regulatory oversight.
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Strengthening Regulatory Integrity and Accountability
The policy, disseminated via a circular from the Human Resources Department-2 (Training and Development Wing), establishes a clear boundary between the regulator and the regulated. By prohibiting the acceptance of funding for local or international events, the central bank aims to ensure that its personnel maintain absolute objectivity in their supervisory duties. The directive underscores that these measures are essential to preserving the integrity of the financial sector’s regulatory framework and avoiding any compromise in professional judgement.
The office order, which received approval from the appropriate authorities, came into effect immediately. It addresses various forms of engagement, ranging from domestic workshops to international seminars, ensuring that no financial incentive from a regulated entity can influence central bank staff.
Summary of Mandatory Directives
The new guidelines categorise various restrictions to ensure comprehensive compliance across all departments.
| Category of Engagement | Nature of Restriction |
| Funded Training | Prohibition from attending any domestic or foreign event as a trainee or trainer if funded by private or state-owned banks. |
| Service Provider Ties | Barred from foreign events funded by any organisation that supplies goods or services to Bangladesh Bank. |
| Honorarium Policy | Strict prohibition on accepting monetary payments or honoraria for speaking at domestic seminars. |
| Prior Authorisation | Mandatory approval required from Human Resources for any participation as a speaker or trainer. |
Constraints on External Service Providers
A significant component of the directive concerns third-party entities. Personnel are explicitly barred from participating in any foreign training or seminar funded by organisations that maintain a commercial relationship with Bangladesh Bank, such as equipment suppliers or service contractors. This specific measure is designed to protect the bank’s procurement processes and ensure that evaluations of goods and services remain untainted by personal professional benefits.
Regulation of Speaking Engagements and Honoraria
While the central bank allows its officials to contribute as trainers or speakers in domestic discussion meetings—recognising the necessity of professional knowledge exchange—this is now subject to stringent oversight. Officials must obtain written permission from the Human Resources Department-2 before attending. Crucially, even with approval, they are strictly prohibited from accepting any honorarium or financial compensation from the organising agency.
Staff have been further instructed to exercise general caution and refrain from any event where the acceptance of a benefit could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest with the central bank’s statutory activities. This administrative overhaul reflects a commitment to maintaining a robust and independent oversight mechanism for the nation’s banking industry, ensuring that all regulatory actions are conducted without the possibility of external financial influence.