BRAC Bank Managing Director & CEO Selim RF Hussain yesterday said his comments regarding officials of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) were misinterpreted by some media outlets and expressed regret for hurting anyone.

In a clarification, Hussain said he mentioned a lack of accountability among some top officials of the central bank and the board members of various banks for the crisis in the banking sector before the political changeover in early August.

He was speaking at a dialogue at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Hussain said some former top officials of the central bank used their influence to recommend individuals for jobs and promotion at various banks. 

Under the previous regime, a few top central bank officials were involved in abuse of power. 

As a result, irregularities took place and the banking sector suffered from a lack of discipline, he said, adding that most of them lost their jobs after the political changeover on August 5.

He said most BB officials are honest and efficient and are trying to bring discipline to the sector.

Hussain said he did not intend to hurt anyone and expressed regret for hurting anyone. 

His comments came after the Bangladesh Bank Officers Welfare Council, Dhaka protested his remarks, saying he made derogatory remarks about central bank officials without specific evidence. 

The council demanded an "unconditional apology" from Hussain and the withdrawal of his remarks.