After a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank, Khondoker Rashed Maqsood, Chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), found himself under fire from the press. The media briefing, held at the BSEC lobby on Sunday, September 22, saw the chairman bombarded with questions on several issues, particularly regarding the restriction on journalists’ entry into the commission.
Despite repeated inquiries, Chairman Maqsood avoided providing clear answers to specific questions posed by reporters. One of the key issues raised was the recent decision from the Ministry of Finance to relieve Commissioner ATM Tariquzzaman of his duties, granting him a three-month transition period. When asked about reports that the commissioner had been rendered without portfolio within days, the BSEC chairman offered a vague response. He remarked that certain matters require coordination with the ministry, and it wasn’t appropriate to discuss them publicly.
Pressed on whether the BSEC can function independently, Maksud again sidestepped direct responses, leaving journalists without a clear answer. Shortly after, he abruptly ended the briefing, citing another meeting, and left the venue.
