Bangladesh Bank has approved the appointment of Kazi Wahidul Islam as the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Rupali Bank, a state-owned financial institution.
In a letter dispatched to the chairman of Rupali Bank on Tuesday (24 December), the central bank formally conveyed its decision regarding the appointment.
The letter stated that Wahidul Islam would serve as MD on a three-year contract commencing from the date he assumed office.
It also clarified that any applicable income tax on his salary and allowances would be borne personally by Wahidul Islam.
Earlier, on 12 December, the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance issued a notification appointing Wahidul Islam to the position.
Prior to this role, he served as the deputy managing director of Sonali Bank.
This development follows a significant reshuffling within state-owned banks.
On 19 September, amid political upheaval, the MDs of six banks—Sonali Bank, Rupali Bank, Agrani Bank, Janata Bank, Basic Bank, and Bangladesh Development Bank Limited (BDBL)—were removed from their positions.
At that time, Mohammad Jahangir was serving as the MD of Rupali Bank, with plans underway to appoint Abdur Rahim as his successor.
However, Rahim's appointment was cancelled due to allegations related to writing poetry about the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The newly appointed MD, Kazi Wahidul Islam, is also a leader of the Bangabandhu Engineers’ Council, further emphasising his alignment with certain professional and political affiliations.
