2 BB deputy governors told to resign, banking secy made OSD

Two deputy governors of Bangladesh Bank have been asked to resign and banking secretary has been made an officer on special duty (OSD) over last month’s heist from the bank’s account with Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith made the disclosure to the media at the Planning Commission this afternoon hours into Atiur Rahman’s resignation as the central bank governor.

When journalists inquired whether the two deputy governors, who have been asked to resign, are Abul Quasem and Nazneen Sultana, the finance minister replied in the positive.

When contacted, Quasem told The Daily Star he was unaware about the move.

The other deputy governor, Nazneen Sultana, could not be reached over her mobile phone.

A late disclosure of the theft of US$101 million from central bank’s account has displeased Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Finance Minister Muhith was furious about it and yesterday spoke of major changes to central bank’s management.

Meanwhile, Banking Secretary M Aslam Alam was made OSD – a status that leaves him without a portfolio.

The status was confirmed by officials at the finance ministry.

According to sources, M Aslam Alam told his colleagues that today was his last day at office.

However, The Daily Star tried to reach him over his mobile phone for his comments but failed to talk with him.

On Saturday, Alam talked to reporters and said he was unaware of the cyber heist.