Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder was absent at his office on the first day the office reopened Tuesday after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

However, in a significant development, the central bank lifted long-standing restrictions on journalists’ entry to its headquarters on the day.

The announcement was made by Deputy Governor Kazi Sayedur Rahman during a meeting with the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) at the BB office in the capital.

The meeting was led by ERF President Refayet Ullah Mirdha, who urged the central bank to investigate defaulted loans and take action against money launderers and corrupt individuals in the banking sector.

Deputy Governor Rahman explained that the governor was currently not working due to stress but assured everyone that work would continue as usual.

He emphasised that the Bangladesh Bank is actively working on restructuring the banking sector and is prepared to collaborate with the new government.

He also reaffirmed that journalists would have unrestricted access to information, marking a return to the previous policy.

The lifting of the ban on journalists is seen as a positive step, with many expressing satisfaction over this development.

Kazi Sayedur Rahman also extended his well-wishes to the students who celebrated the change and expressed deep condolences for the martyrs, wishing a speedy recovery to those who are ill.

Three other deputy governors were also present at the meeting, showing a unified front in the bank’s administration.

Earlier, on 25 April, the banking regulator had imposed strict restrictions on journalists’ access, allowing visits only to the spokesperson of the bank with a specific permit.

This policy has now been reversed, restoring full access to journalists.