Bangladesh Bank’s new governor Md Mostaqur Rahman began his first day at work on Thursday morning, a day after being appointed by the government.
Mostaqur arrived at Bangladesh Bank at 10:40am, where he was welcomed with flowers by deputy governors and officials. He entered the central bank in his private car.
In response to journalists’ questions at the time, he said, “Let me work first, then I will speak. I have just joined…”
Mostaqur is the first businessman to be appointed governor of Bangladesh Bank. He is the 14th governor. Previously, all governments had chosen governors from among economists, bankers, former bureaucrats, and academics.
The Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance issued a notification on Wednesday appointing him for four years from the date of joining.
A businessman in the garment sector, Mostaqur has also been involved in brokerage and real estate. He was a member of the BNP’s election steering committee during the 13th parliamentary election.
Following the fall of the Awami League government in student-led mass uprising, the interim government appointed economist Ahsan H Mansur as governor on 14 August 2024, initiating reforms in the banking sector under his leadership. After one and a half years, a notification was issued on Wednesday cancelling the remainder of his tenure and removing him from office.
Who is Mostaqur Rahman?
Md Mostaqur Rahman is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hera Sweaters Limited, an export-oriented manufacturing enterprise.
A senior financial governance specialist with over 33 years of post-qualification experience, he possesses extensive leadership expertise in corporate finance, export economics, institutional governance, and financial systems management.
Mostaqur currently serves as the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Bangladesh Bank for the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
He is a former Board Member of the Chittagong Stock Exchange (1998–2000) and holds memberships in several prestigious professional and industry bodies, including the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
His professional background spans multiple sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, agro-based enterprises, and industrial ventures. He has worked closely with regulators such as Bangladesh Bank and has been recognised for his expertise in regulatory compliance, banking-sector engagement, and capital structure management.
A qualified Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) since 1992, Mostaqur is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB).
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Master of Commerce degree from the Department of Accounting at the University of Dhaka.
