BB terminates Chief Economist Akhtar’s contract early
The central bank has cancelled the economist’s contract nearly a year before its scheduled end.
Bangladesh Bank has cut short the contractual tenure of its Chief Economist Mohammad Akhtar Hossain, cancelling the remainder of his two-year appointment effective from 10 September this year.
The central bank issued the cancellation order yesterday (11 August), without stating a reason for ending his tenure early.
Akhtar Hossain was appointed chief economist on 1 July 2025 for a two-year term. His position involves advising the governor and the central bank's board on macroeconomic developments, monetary policy and banking-sector stability.
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The early termination comes less than 15 months into his scheduled tenure.
A prominent economist and academic, Akhtar Hossain spent nearly three decades teaching at Australia's University of Newcastle before retiring as an associate professor in 2020. He joined United International University (UIU) in Dhaka as a professor of economics in 2024.
He also served as an international economist at the International Monetary Fund's Singapore Regional Training Centre from 1999 to 2002.
His association with Bangladesh Bank dates back further. In 2004, he joined the central bank as the World Bank's resident economic adviser and helped initiate policy-oriented research activities there.
Bangladesh Bank has not yet indicated who will take over the chief economist's responsibilities following the termination of his contract.
