Citing an oblique reference to journalists’ restricted access to the Indian Federal Bank, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has asked whether a newsman possesses unrestricted access to a central bank in any country of the world.

Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, raised this question in response to an inquiry from a journalist during a press conference held at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka on Saturday (May 18) noon.

“Everything is available on the website, so why will you (journalists) enter the central bank?” said the Awami League leader.

The authorities have curbed journalists’ free access to Bangladesh Bank (BB) for the first time in the history, drawing widespread criticism within the journalist community and various professions and political parties in the country.

When asked, whether the government is worried over the decline in the country’s forex reserves to $13 billion from $48 billion, Quader asked, “Who told you in which report. We possess statistics.”

In response, a bunch of journalists equivocally mentioned the name of the BB governor, promoting the Awami League leader to suggest them seek clarification from the BB governor.

“How the central bank’s reserve comes to $13 billion we don’t know.  But, it is known to us the reserve is fluctuating between $19 billion and $20 billion,” he said.

Later, a journalist responded by asking how they could seek clarification from the BB governor when they are prohibited from accessing the central bank.

Quader then got furious a bit and pointing finger at the attending journalists, said “Why will you enter the central bank freely when everything is available on the website?”

BDST: 1936 HRS, MAY 18, 2024
MN/SMS