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SANGSAD BHABAN, April 30, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said in Jatiya Sangsad that appointments in key financial institutions were not politically influenced in the past under BNP governments.

“Every time when BNP was in power, appointments in Bangladesh Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission were non-political. That’s why financial discipline did not face problems during those times,” he said.

The Finance Minister said this while addressing concerns of the opposition on allegation of politicization in appointments during the passage of two bills related to BSEC and IDRA during the day’s morning proceedings in the House.

On the issue of the central bank governor, Khosru said, “The Governor of Bangladesh Bank is not a member of any political party. Supporting a party in election activities does not make someone a party member.”

He also said the Prime Minister has already decided that no political figure would be appointed in the financial sector. “The Prime Minister has taken a decision that no political person will be appointed in the financial sector,” he added.

The minister further said elections in Bangladesh involve broader participation and cooperation from people from different backgrounds. “Elections are a huge task in Bangladesh. Many people contribute in different ways. Supporting election activities does not mean being a party member,” he said.

Highlighting the condition of the insurance sector, the minister said it is going through a difficult phase. 

“The insurance industry in Bangladesh is passing through a very difficult situation. Many companies have emerged due to mismanagement, corruption and patronage, and they are not complying with laws and regulations,” he added.

Explaining the rationale behind the amendments, he said age-related restrictions needed to be reconsidered in line with global practices.

When these laws were enacted, he said the average life expectancy was around 57. But, now it is about 72. “In almost all countries where securities commissions operate successfully, there is no such age barrier,” he said.

Khosru said Bangladesh is entering a new economic context and attracting qualified and skilled individuals requires such flexibility. “If qualified and skilled people are to come forward, these issues must be considered. There is no room for emotion here,” he added.

Earlier, the Parliament today witnessed an unusual debate between the treasury and opposition bench members following the passage of two bills, despite there being no provision for such discussion after a bill is passed under the rules of procedure.

The House passed the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote, as Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury moved the bills separately.

After the passage, opposition members sought to speak on the bills, but Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal said there was no scope for discussion at that stage as per the rules. However, he later allowed Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman to speak.

Responding to the points raised, the Finance Minister said discussions after passage of a bill are not permitted under the rules, but he chose to respond as questions had been raised.

“There was actually no opportunity for such discussions after a bill was passed. Even then, since questions have been raised, we have to respond,” he added.