The elected representatives of Grameen Bank (GB) governing body on Monday deplored Finance Minister AMA Muhith’s remark that that the GB directors are not really elected. A statement issued by GB director Tahasina Khatoon on Monday said, “Recently, at a press conference, the Finance Minister remarked that the process of appointing directors to GB has not been transparent. Dr Yunus picks up the directors himself. We’re surprised by this statement by the honourable Finance Minister.” Asked why the opinions of GB directors were not taken while framing the new GB rules, the Finance Minister at a press conference in the city on Saturday said, “Why should we take directors’ opinion? They’re picked up by…they’re not really elected.” The statement issued by GB director Tahasina Khatoon on Monday said the remarks of the Finance Minister reflects his ‘ignorance about the way the election of the GB governing body is held’. The statement also alleged that the government has decided to introduce the new system of election to the governing body with a motive to ‘destroy’ the bank. According to a circular issued by the government earlier this month, the Grameen Bank (Election of Director) Rules 2014 has replaced the Grameen Bank (Election of Directors) Rules 1987. The new rules include provisions that a three-member committee appointed by Bangladesh Bank will oversee the election of nine borrower-directors from the grassroots. The remaining three members of the board, including its chairman, are elected by the government. The new provisions give a political shape to the Grameen Bank governing body election, Tahasina said in her statement. She also added that the old system had ensured a fair election to the governing body through the election of representatives at different levels. – UNB
