Bangladesh Bank has decided to publish its monetary policy statement online to avoid potential boycott by economic reporters.
The central bank will release the MPS for the July-December period of FY 2024-25 through an online update.
Traditionally, Bangladesh Bank organises press conferences where mainstream media reporters and senior journalists gather to discuss the MPS.
During these events, the Bangladesh Bank governor and the chief economist explain various policy issues and respond to challenging questions about monetary policy and the banking sector鈥檚 performance.
Saiful Islam, the acting spokesperson and executive director of Bangladesh Bank, told the media that the MPS will be updated online at 3:00 pm on July 18.
Refayet Ullah Mirdha, president of the Economic Reporters鈥� Forum (ERF), commented on this development, noting that the central bank had previously restricted journalists鈥� access to cover the MPS unveiling press conference.
鈥榃e do not support a system where journalists can only enter Bangladesh Bank after obtaining permission from the officials. The ERF rejected this arrangement and demanded hassle-free access as before,鈥� Mirdha said.
He emphasised that unless the central bank meets the journalists鈥� demands, the ERF will continue to boycott Bangladesh Bank events.