Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the Bangladesh Bank’s decision to restrict journalists’ access to its premises, labeling it as unethical and authoritarian. TIB expressed concern over the move, suggesting that it impedes the public’s right to access crucial information about the banking and financial sector.
TIB questioned the motives behind the decision, raising concerns about potential attempts to conceal failures in governance within the banking sector or protect those responsible for financial irregularities. They emphasized the importance of transparency, especially amid concerns about bad debts, financial fraud, and governance issues in the banking industry.
TIB warned that such restrictions on information flow could exacerbate distrust in the banking sector and hinder accountability. They highlighted the role of journalists in exposing financial sector scams and expressed worries that the decision could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability.