In a bid to ensure transparency, accountability, and to prevent potential conflicts of interest, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has prohibited its officials and employees from participating in training programmes, seminars, and workshops funded by banks and other financial institutions.
The central bank issued an office order on Wednesday, detailing strict guidelines regarding local and international events sponsored by the very entities it is tasked with regulating.
The circular, issued by the Human Resources Department-2 (Training and Development Wing), outlines the following mandates.
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No Funded Participation
BB officials and employees are barred from participating as trainees or trainers in any training or workshop, domestic or foreign, funded by government or private banks, financial institutions, or other organisations.
Service Provider Restrictions
Personnel cannot participate in any foreign training, seminar, or workshop funded by any organisation that receives services from or supplies goods to Bangladesh Bank.
Strict No-Honorarium Policy
While officials may participate as trainers or speakers in domestic seminars or discussion meetings organised by banks or financial institutions—provided they have prior approval from Human Resources Department-2—they are strictly forbidden from accepting any honorarium from the organising agency.
Conflict of Interest
Generally, central bank staff are directed to refrain from attending any event where the acceptance of an honorarium could create a conflict of interest with the activities of Bangladesh Bank.
The directive stated that these decisions were taken to maintain the integrity of the financial sector's regulatory framework.
The order has been issued with the approval of the appropriate authority and takes effect immediately.