Central bank seeks full ministerial status for governor
In a move aimed at reinforcing the authority and autonomy of the country’s central bank, the Bangladesh Bank has formally proposed elevating the status of its Governor to that of a full Cabinet Minister.
The proposal, contained in the draft Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Ordinance (Amendment) 2025, has been submitted to the Finance Division for review following recommendations from leading financial experts.
If approved, the change would significantly enhance the Governor’s standing within the national hierarchy.
Currently ranked 15th in the Warrant of Precedence (1986), below the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary but above other secretaries, the Governor would attain the same protocol status, privileges, and powers as a serving minister.
The elevation is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening the institutional independence of Bangladesh’s top financial regulator, particularly amid growing calls for more robust and autonomous monetary governance.
Under the proposed arrangement, the Governor would be entitled to a comprehensive package of state benefits, including a tax-exempt monthly salary of Tk 105,000, a daily allowance of Tk 2,000, a monthly regulatory allowance of Tk 10,000, access to a discretionary fund of Tk 10 lakh annually, and a fully maintained government residence with all utility bills – including gas, electricity, water, and telephone –covered by the state.
Should the Governor decline official accommodation, a monthly rent allowance of Tk 80,000 would be provided, along with full reimbursement of utility expenses. Additionally, the post would come with multiple government-funded vehicles: a full-time car for regular duties and an extra jeep for official travel outside Dhaka, with all maintenance costs borne by the state.
The proposal now awaits scrutiny and approval from the Finance Division and, ultimately, the Cabinet. If enacted, it would mark one of the most significant institutional upgrades for the central bank in decades.