Desk Report:
The law has been amended by abolishing the maximum age limit of 67 years for appointment as Governor of Bangladesh Bank. As a result, the opportunity has been opened for experienced and qualified people, regardless of age, to lead the country’s central bank.
On Friday (April 10, 2026), the Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, was passed by voice vote in the Parliament. The bill amends the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972.
As no amendment proposal was raised in the parliament on specific clauses of the bill, it was passed in its original form.
The four-year term of the Governor and the opportunity for reappointment have been maintained in the amended law as before. However, the age limit of 67 years in clause 5 of article 10 of the previous law has been abolished. Earlier, this section stated that no person can hold the post of Governor after completing 67 years of age.
As a result of the new law, the government will now be able to appoint or retain Governors based on qualifications, experience and need.
Explaining the purpose of the bill, the Finance Minister said that the role of the Governor is very important in formulating and implementing monetary policy, maintaining financial stability, supervising the banking sector, managing foreign exchange reserves and coordinating with international financial institutions.
He further mentioned that the existing age limit has often created obstacles in appointing experienced and skilled people to this important post. That limitation has been removed through the amendment.
The government informed that in many countries of the world, except Nepal and Pakistan, there is no specific maximum age limit for the Governor of the central bank. Therefore, this new law is also in line with international practice.
