BB bars officials from paid training, events

The Bangladesh Bank has issued a new directive restricting its officials and employees from participating in training, seminars, symposiums, workshops, and similar events funded by banks, financial institutions, and other organisations, both at home and abroad.

The move aims to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest in the financial sector.

According to the central bank, the decision was made to strengthen accountability and uphold integrity within the financial system by minimising external influence on its officials.

Under the directive, Bangladesh Bank officials and employees will no longer be allowed to participate as trainees or trainers in any programmes, workshops, or similar events organised or financed by banks and financial institutions, whether domestically or internationally.

The instruction further states that officials are barred from attending foreign training, seminars, or workshops funded by organisations that receive services from the Bangladesh Bank, or supply goods and services to the central bank, unless under a formal contractual arrangement.

However, the Bangladesh Bank clarified that officials may take part as speakers or trainers in seminars or discussion programmes organised within the country by government or private banks, financial institutions or other organisations, subject to prior approval from the Human Resources Department-2. 

In such cases, they will not be allowed to accept any honorarium or financial compensation from the organising entity.

The directive also emphasises that officials must refrain from participating in events that involve potential conflicts of interest with the Bangladesh Bank, particularly where honorarium or other benefits are offered.

The central bank stated that the new instructions have been issued with the approval of the competent authorities and will come into immediate effect.