Dhaka, April 11 -- Former central bank governor Salehuddin Ahmed has urged the Bangladesh Bank to stand firm against political pressure regarding the approval of new banks.

He emphasised that regulators must back their decisions with solid data and financial logic.

Speaking at a banking and finance conference at a Dhaka hotel, the former finance advisor to the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government stressed that while political and corporate pressures are inevitable, the central bank's role is to act as a guardian of the economy.

"Simply saying 'no' is not enough," Salehuddin said.

"You must present sufficient documents, information, and financial arguments to support your stance. If the government still proceeds with an approval, that...