Integrity First: Bangladesh Bank Sets New Rules for Staff and Certificates
Bangladesh Bank has introduced strict new rules for hiring staff in private banks. These changes will make sure banks recruit people based on their skills. They also aim to bring more trust and discipline to the banking sector. The Banking Regulation and Policy Department of Bangladesh Bank announced these rules on Monday.
Under the new rules, private banks must hold written and oral exams for entry-level jobs. These jobs include positions like management trainee officer or cash officer. Banks must publish job notices on their websites and in at least two national newspapers. This ensures everyone has an equal chance. Only the best candidates will get jobs based on their exam scores.
For higher-level positions that need experience, banks must also use a competitive process. This process must include at least an oral examination. The central bank wants to make sure all hiring is fair and transparent.
Another key part of the new rules is checking educational certificates. New officers and employees must get their latest educational certificates verified. This must happen within one year of joining the bank. The verification will come from the correct education board, university, or institute.
Current bank employees also need to verify their educational certificates. Banks must complete this check for all existing staff by March 31, 2027. If an employee submits a new certificate for promotion or benefits, the bank must also verify it.
The rules also apply to contract-based officers, except for consultants or advisers. If a banker moves to a new bank, the new bank does not need to re-verify certificates. This is true if the old bank confirms it already checked them. When a bank employee leaves, their clearance certificate must state which documents were verified.
Bangladesh Bank will take strong action against anyone found using a fake certificate. Banks must immediately start strict administrative steps. This applies to both new hires and current employees.
To protect people’s money and keep banks stable, Bangladesh Bank has another instruction. Each bank must create or update a full Human Resource Management Policy. The bank’s board of directors must approve this policy by March 31, 2025. This policy must cover 18 key areas. These include hiring, promotions, leave, and preventing workplace harassment.
