The Ministry of Finance has decided to relieve Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur from his position as Governor of Bangladesh Bank, the nation’s central bank. Simultaneously, preparations are underway to appoint a new governor, according to sources within the ministry.
On Wednesday, 25 February, ministry officials confirmed that efforts are being made to appoint a professor from a United States university as the incoming governor. A formal proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office for approval. Once finalised, the appointment is expected to be officially announced later today.
Dr. Mansur was appointed Governor of Bangladesh Bank on 13 August 2024 by a government notification issued by the Ministry of Finance. His tenure, though brief, was marked by extensive engagement with both domestic financial policy and international economic institutions.
A distinguished economist, Dr. Mansur began his academic career at Dhaka University, where he taught economics before pursuing advanced studies abroad. He earned a Master’s degree in Economics from McMaster University and a PhD in Economics from Western Ontario University. During his doctoral studies in 1981, he joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the economist programme, embarking on a long career in global finance.
At the IMF, Dr. Mansur served in diverse roles across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Central America, contributing to fiscal affairs and policy review and development. Between 1996 and 2007, he oversaw the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia department. Domestically, he acted as economic adviser to former Finance Minister Wahidul Haque from 1989 to 1991 and played a significant role in introducing Bangladesh’s value-added tax system in 1991. Additionally, he served as chairman of BRAC Bank and advised the government on public-private partnership (PPP) project policies.
The decision to replace Dr. Mansur reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to align Bangladesh’s central banking leadership with emerging economic priorities, particularly in the context of global financial dynamics and domestic fiscal reforms.
Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur – Career Overview
| Period | Position / Role | Institution / Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Economist | International Monetary Fund (IMF) |
| 1989–1991 | Economic Adviser | Finance Minister Wahidul Haque, Bangladesh |
| 1996–2007 | Regional Head, Middle East & Central Asia | IMF |
| – | Chairman | BRAC Bank |
| 2024–2026 | Governor | Bangladesh Bank |
| – | Government Advisor, PPP Project Policy | Bangladesh Government |
Dr. Mansur’s departure marks a significant transition for Bangladesh Bank, with market observers closely monitoring the upcoming appointment and its potential impact on monetary and financial policy.
