Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed deep concern over the imposition of restrictions on journalists’ access to Bangladesh Bank and demanded its withdrawal. The organization made this call in a press release on Friday (April 26).
In the statement, the executive director of the organization. Iftekharuzzman said, in this incident, the media workers will face great obstacles in disclosing the information of the banking and financial sector. This is an unethical step towards ensuring people’s right to information. He also said that the matter has been reported to the Central Bank Governor but no result has come. In the statement, he also questioned whether steps have been taken to cover up their failure to establish good governance in the banking sector.
Dr. Iftekharuzzman also said that most of the information about massive scandals in the financial sector that have been published in the past few years have come from sources with free access to media persons. So what is to be assumed, the central bank is working to ensure the protection of borrowers, those involved in fraud and money laundering.
Meanwhile, regarding the merger of weak banks with Sabol Bank, he said that Bangladesh Bank itself is confused about the merger. Secrecy in such a situation can mask even greater dangers. Seeking the Governor’s cooperation in this matter, the main issue is being avoided in the name of privacy training for media persons. Bangladesh Bank is reluctant to return data collection opportunities.
Besides, he said, if the pass system that Bangladesh Bank is talking about is introduced, the media workers will face obstacles in collecting information, especially information for investigative reports. Even an official of the central bank will refrain from giving an interview.
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Tags: TIB calls strict entry journalists Bangladesh Bank withdrawal
