JS passes Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Bill 2026
The Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed by voice vote
BSS, Sangsad Bhaban
Published: 10 Apr 2026, 07:50 PM
File Photo
The Jatiya Sangsad on Friday passed a bill to remove the maximum age limit of 67 years for the post of governor of Bangladesh Bank and thus clearing the legal path for experienced individuals to lead the central bank regardless of their age.
The Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was
passed by voice vote as Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury moved the
bill, which seeks to amend the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972.
As there were no further amendments proposed for the
specific clauses, the bill was passed in its original form.
The new legislation retains the provision for a
four-year term for the governor and the possibility of reappointment.
However, it explicitly strikes out the condition
from Clause 5 of Article 10 of the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972, which stated
that no person could remain in the post after reaching the age of 67.
Under the previous law, the governor was appointed
for a four-year term and was eligible for reappointment, but mandatory retirement
was fixed at 67 years.
The new amendment eliminates this final restriction,
allowing the government to appoint or retain a Governor based on merit and
necessity rather than age.
In the object of the Bill, Khasru emphasised that
the governor's role is critical for formulating and implementing monetary
policy, maintaining financial stability, bank supervision, managing foreign
exchange reserves and coordinating with international financial institutions.
The minister argued that the existing age limit
often acted as a barrier to appointing experienced, skilled, and wise
individuals to this high-stakes position.
