Bangladesh Bank has issued show-cause notices to three of its officials after they publicly labeled Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur as a 'dictator' during a press conference held on February 16. The officials—Naushad Mostafa, A.K.M. Masum Billah, and Golam Mostafa Shraban—have been given ten days to respond. Executive Director and spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan confirmed the action, stating that disciplinary measures will follow if their explanations are deemed unsatisfactory.

The press conference criticized the governor’s handling of bank mergers involving EXIM and Social Islami Bank, and the process of granting digital bank licenses. According to internal regulations, central bank officials must obtain the governor’s approval before making public statements or holding press events. The spokesperson declined further comment until the replies are received.

Sources indicated that the officials’ actions violated staff rules, as grievances against senior management should be raised through internal forums. The incident has drawn attention to internal tensions within the central bank over governance, autonomy, and regulatory reforms.