Parliament passes the Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Bill 2026

The Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been passed in the National Parliament, removing the maximum age limit of 67 years for the appointment of the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. The move opens the legal pathway for experienced individuals to lead the central bank regardless of age.
The bill was placed in the House by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and was passed by voice vote. The amendment seeks to revise the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972.
As no amendment proposals were raised on the specific clauses, the bill was passed in its original form.
Under the new law, the four-year tenure of the Governor and the provision for reappointment will remain unchanged. However, the provision in Article 10(5) of the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972, which required a mandatory retirement at the age of 67, has been removed.
Previously, the Governor could be appointed for a four-year term with the possibility of reappointment, but was required to step down upon reaching 67 years of age. With the new amendment, the government will now be able to appoint or retain a Governor based on qualifications and necessity rather than age restrictions.
Explaining the rationale behind the amendment, the Finance Minister said the Governor plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing monetary policy, maintaining financial stability, supervising banks, managing foreign exchange reserves, and coordinating with international financial institutions.
He argued that the previous age restriction often created barriers to appointing experienced and capable individuals to important positions.
The statement also noted that many countries do not impose a maximum age limit for central bank governors, except for Nepal and Pakistan, making the amendment consistent with international practices.