DHAKA, April 25, 2024 (BSS) - The Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) today urged Bangladesh Bank (BB) to ensure the free entry of reporters into the central bank for collecting necessary information for reporting purposes.

In a statement, the organisation mentioned that reporters have been enjoying free access to BB officials concerned for collecting information for the past 53 years and they did not face this kind of restriction. 

The sudden restriction is likely to increase the risk of wrong reporting on the banking sector, which is not desired by any party, ERF pointed out.

Recently, the central bank imposed a strict restriction on journalists' access to the central bank.

From now on, BB Spokesperson Mezbaul Haque said, journalists will only be able to visit his office using a specific permit issued by the central bank.

However, he said, journalists will be able to visit other officials of the bank if the officials issue them a permit. Journalists will no longer be able to freely enter any department of the central bank as before. 

ERF President Refayet Ullah Mirdha and General Secretary Abul Kashem met with the central bank governor to talk about the restriction.

A committee headed by Refayet Ullah Mirdha has also been formed to take necessary measures for ensuring easy access of reporters to the central bank building. The ERF will take further action as per the recommendations of the committee.